Water / Sewer Backup: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover It?

A sewer backup is among a homeowner’s worst nightmares. Not only is it inconvenient and unsanitary, but it can cost a small fortune to take care of. A homeowners insurance policy can help you, but not all policies include this coverage.

What Does a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers sudden and accidental water damage that comes from inside your home, such as a burst pipe or broken appliance. It also covers water damage that results from rainwater coming in through an opening caused by a named peril.​

However, most water damage is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Damage from water that seeps up from the ground, flooding or a pipe that has been leaking for a while is not covered by most policies.

Damage from water that backs up through the sewers or drains is also not covered. Fortunately, most homeowners insurance companies sell water sewer backup coverage.

How Does Water Backup Coverage Work?

Water backup coverage may also be called sewer or sump pump backup coverage, and it is among the most popular endorsements that homeowners add to their policies. As its name suggests, this coverage pays for damages caused by sewage that backs up into your home through the drains. This coverage is very affordable, with most homeowners paying as little as $30 per year to add it to their policy.

What Does Water Backup Coverage Pay For?

Most homeowners insurance companies sell water backup coverage in $5,000 increments. On average, homeowners pay between $30 and $70 for $5,000 of coverage and about $30 for every additional $5,000 in coverage. In most cases, you have to pay a deductible, or a portion of the cost for professional cleaning and repair, before your insurance pays out.

Some expenses paid for under this coverage include damage from water that overflows from:

• A drain or sewer
• Equipment such as a sump or sump pump, even if the overflow was caused by a mechanical error
• Any system that is meant to remove subsurface water from the home’s foundation

Not all water backup damage is paid for under this coverage. For example, the coverage will not pay to replace a broken sump pump, and it will not pay for overflow and backups that could have been prevented through routine maintenance or due diligence. It also does not cover damage from flooding or overflows of water from a pond or swimming pool.

Do You Need Water Backup Coverage?

Water backup coverage is among the most valuable and affordable policy add-ons you can purchase. It is also among the most widely used endorsements by homeowners. If your homeowners insurance company sells this coverage, it is generally a good idea to add it to your policy.

Building The Right Homeowners Insurance Policy With Nevada Insurance Enrollment

At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, homeowners insurance agents help you assess your needs to build the best policy to cover your home and fit your budget.