With the recent changes in our water back-up requirements, we wanted to provide you with additional information about the loss prevention systems Frankenmuth Insurance is now requiring:

Water powered back-up sump pump description:

This system is hooked up to the insured’s city water supply. It takes the city water and forces it though a valve, which creates suction around the water in the sump pump pit and forces the existing water out of the pit. Since this sump pump requires a city water supply it is not available to insureds who have a well as their water source.

Home standby generator powered back-up sump pump description:

This option requires the insured to install a back-up sump pump that is powered by a home standby generator. Standby generators are always hooked up to the insured’s main power supply and turn on automatically once the home loses power.  They are usually run by propane or natural gas.  The generator back-up option does not include portable generators which are typically stored in a garage and manually hooked up when power is lost.

Why isn’t a battery back-up sump pump acceptable?

The battery on a battery back-up sump pump typically lasts a maximum of seven (7) hours. These batteries can fail without the homeowner being aware.  If the insured isn’t home for an extended period of time or doesn’t know the battery back- up is being used, they are still subject to a potential loss. 

What about an insured who has a well as their water source?

The best option for an insured with a well is a home standby generator powered back-up sump pump.