A sewer backup is a homeowner's nightmare. The mess, the smell, and the potential for extensive damage can be overwhelming. What's worse, many homeowners are shocked to discover that their standard homeowners insurance policy likely doesn't cover this messy and expensive problem.
Why Isn't Sewer Backup Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance?
Most standard homeowners policies are designed to cover specific, sudden, and accidental events. Sewer backup is often considered a maintenance issue or a problem originating off-property (from municipal sewer lines), which falls outside the scope of a typical policy. You can learn more about what homeowners insurance doesn't cover here.
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How to Get Sewer Backup Coverage
The good news is that you can typically add sewer backup coverage to your homeowners policy through an endorsement or a separate, standalone policy. This is often called "water backup and sump pump overflow coverage." It's a relatively inexpensive add-on that can save you thousands of dollars in the event of a backup.
What Does Sewer Backup Coverage Include?
This endorsement typically covers:
- Damage to your home's structure (floors, walls, etc.)
- Damage to your personal property
- The cost of water removal and cleanup
Sewer Backup vs. Flood Damage
It's important to understand the difference between a sewer backup and a flood. A flood is caused by rising water from an outside source, like a river or heavy rain. Sewer backup is when water comes up through your drains or toilets. These are two different events, and they are covered by two different types of insurance. For more details, see our article on water backup vs. flood damage.
What to Do if You Have a Sewer Backup
If you experience a sewer backup, your first priority is safety. Avoid contact with the water, as it can contain harmful bacteria. Then, take the following steps:
- Turn off the electricity to the affected area if it's safe to do so.
- Call a plumber to stop the source of the backup.
- Contact your insurance agent to report the claim.
- Document the damage with photos and videos.
For more information on what to do when you have water damage, check out our guide on water damage coverage.