What Is Water And Sewer Backup Coverage?

What is water backup coverage, and why is it so important? Imagine coming home to find water or sewage backing up into your house—it’s not just a messy inconvenience, it can cause costly damage to your property and create hazardous conditions. 

Water and sewer backups can happen unexpectedly, whether from heavy rains overwhelming your sump pump, tree roots growing into pipes, or a clog in your drain or sewer line. The good news is, with the right insurance coverage, you can be protected from these unpredictable disasters. 

At The Huneycutt Group, we’re here to help you understand your options and ensure you have the right protection in place.

What Is Water Backup Coverage?

Water backup coverage, also known as water backup insurance, is a type of optional coverage that protects homeowners from damage caused by water or sewage backing up into your home. 

This typically occurs due to issues with the drainage system, such as clogs in the sewer line or an overwhelmed sump pump.

Without it, you may be responsible for the high costs associated with cleaning up the mess, replacing flooring, walls, and cabinets, and ensuring your home is safe to live in again.

Difference Between Water Backup Coverage and Sewer Backup Coverage

While water backup and sewer backup coverage are often bundled together, they address slightly different situations. 

Water backup coverage usually covers issues related to a backed-up sump pump or other water drainage system, whereas sewer backup insurance covers damages resulting from a blockage or backup in the sewer system itself. 

Both can lead to extensive and costly repairs, but each targets a different source of the problem.

Is It Automatically Included On My Home Insurance Policy?

No, water and sewer and drain backup coverage is typically not included in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. It is an optional add-on. 

It’s essential to review your policy or consult with your agent to make sure you’re covered in case of a backup. 

The team at The Huneycutt Group can help you understand if your current policy includes this coverage and can add it if needed.

Why Is Water And Sewer Backup Coverage Important?

Water or sewage backing up into your home can be dangerous and expensive and can happen to anyone.

If water or sewage backs up into your home, the costs of repair can be substantial. Damaged drywall, flooring, or cabinetry may need to be replaced, and the cleanup itself can be hazardous due to exposure to contaminated water. 

A single event could cost thousands of dollars, which is why backup of sewer and drain coverage is so crucial.

The dangers of sewer backup extend beyond property damage—exposure to sewage can be harmful to your health. Mold growth, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens thrive in these environments, making it critical to address the damage quickly and thoroughly nd usually involves a mitigation specialist.

What Doesn’t Water Backup Coverage Offer?

While water backup coverage protects against a variety of incidents, it does not cover every water-related disaster. It generally doesn’t include:

• Repairs needed due to the normal wear and tear of pipes, plumbing systems, or sump pump equipment
• Water damage caused by external sources, such as swimming pools or natural bodies of water like oceans
• Damage caused by flooding
• Damage resulting from surface or underground water

Note: For flood protection, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or another provider.

How Much Does Water Backup Coverage Cost?

The cost of sewer and drain backup coverage will depend on your insurer, your location, and your home’s susceptibility to backups. However, it’s generally affordable, with some policies adding as little as $50 to $250 per year. That’s not a lot.

Considering that the average water or sewer backup claim can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, this is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Is There a Separate Deductible?

In most cases, yes. Water backup coverage typically comes with its own deductible, separate from your standard homeowners insurance deductible. The deductible can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on your policy and insurer. 

It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand what your deductible would be in the event of a claim. Be sure to ask our licensed agents at The Huneycutt Group when discussing your coverage.

How Do I Get Water Backup Coverage?

Adding water backup coverage to your home insurance policy is easy. You can contact us anytime to ask about adding this endorsement. We’re here to help you determine how much coverage you need based on your home and location.