A Small Backup Can Cause a Big Problem
Imagine walking downstairs and discovering several inches of dirty water covering your basement floor. A sewer line has backed up through a floor drain, damaging carpet, drywall, furniture, appliances, and belongings stored in the basement.
Many homeowners assume their homeowners insurance automatically covers this type of water damage. That may not be the case. Water or sewage backing up through a sewer or drain is commonly excluded unless you add sewer, drain, or water backup coverage.
What Is Sewer and Drain Backup Coverage?
Sewer and drain backup coverage is generally an optional endorsement that can be added to certain homeowners insurance policies. Depending on the policy, it may help pay for covered damage when water or sewage backs up through a sewer or drain or overflows or discharges from a sump pump or related system.
Sewer Backup Example
Suppose a municipal sewer becomes overwhelmed during a severe rainstorm. Sewage backs up through the floor drain in your finished basement and damages drywall, flooring, furniture, a washer and dryer, and personal belongings. Professional cleanup and remediation are also necessary.
If your policy includes sewer and drain backup coverage, it may pay covered damage up to the endorsement’s limit, subject to the deductible and policy terms.
What About a Sump Pump?
A sump pump removes water that collects around or beneath a home’s foundation, but it can fail because of a power outage, mechanical problem, clogged discharge line, or another issue. Depending on the endorsement, water backup coverage may protect against resulting damage caused by a sump pump overflow or backup.
Is Sewer Backup the Same as Flooding?
No. A sewer or drain backup generally involves water or sewage entering through a sewer, drain, sump, or related system. Flooding generally involves surface water affecting normally dry land. Sewer and drain backup coverage should not be considered a substitute for flood insurance.
What May Sewer and Drain Backup Coverage Pay For?
Depending on the policy and circumstances, covered expenses may include water or sewage removal, professional cleanup, drying and remediation, damaged drywall, flooring, carpeting, furniture, covered personal belongings, and other covered home repairs. Coverage is subject to the limit and deductible shown on the policy.
How Much Coverage Should You Consider?
Think about what is located in the lowest level of your home. If you have a finished basement, consider the potential cost of replacing flooring, drywall, furniture, electronics, appliances, heating or cooling equipment, and stored personal property, along with professional cleanup.
Ways to Reduce Your Sewer Backup Risk
Homeowners may want to avoid pouring grease down drains, avoid flushing inappropriate materials, maintain sewer and drain lines, have older sewer laterals inspected, maintain sump pumps, consider battery backup, and discuss backwater prevention devices with a licensed plumber.
Have Questions About Sewer and Drain Backup Coverage?
Oberryman Insurance Agency can help you review your homeowners insurance to determine whether sewer and drain backup coverage is included, what limit you currently have, and whether additional protection may be appropriate.
Call Oberryman Insurance Agency at 703-986-0468 to request a homeowners insurance review or discuss available coverage options.
Insurance coverage, eligibility, limits, deductibles, exclusions, endorsements, and availability vary by insurance company, policy, property, state, and individual circumstances. This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not modify or replace the terms of an insurance policy. Please review your policy and contact a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific coverage needs.
