Understanding Water Backup Coverage

In this article, we’ll describe water backup coverage: what it is, why it’s important, and how it can protect you and your home from unexpected water damage.

A standard homeowners policy has several exclusions when it comes to water damage coverage. Generally, a standard HO-3 policy only covers sudden and accidental water damage that originates within the home, such as a burst pipe. However, any water that comes from the ground or backs up from a clogged drain or sump pump is not covered.

For situations like this, water backup coverage can help you out.

What is Water Backup Coverage?

Water Backup (sometimes called Sewer Backup) is an optional coverage you can add to your homeowners policy.

This coverage can protect you from water damage not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Specifically, water backup coverage helps if you have a clog in your sewer or septic lines, causing water to backup from a sink, drain, or toilet. 

In addition to covering damage caused by backed up septic lines, water backup coverage can also cover damages caused by faulty sump pumps. When water enters your basement, a sump pump is a useful device that pumps the water out. But if your sump pumps fails to work or overflows, your water backup coverage will kick in.

It’s important to note that insurance providers expect you to take measures to prevent water from entering your home and basement. As well as installing a sump pump, you should consider sealing cracks in your foundation and even installing French drains to prevent water in your basement.

If you’ve if you’ve done your part and your sump pump fails, your insurance company will reimburse you for the water damage. They’ll help clean up that basement and replace any property that may have been damaged.

How Much Does Water Backup Cover and Cost?

Coverage and cost for water backup varies based on your needs and your insurance provider. Typically insurance providers offer anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 of water backup coverage. As for cost, water backup coverage can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 annually.

We hope we’ve helped you better understand water backup coverage and how it can protect you. And now we’d like to turn it over to you. Did you learn something new from this article? Or do have a question about your homeowners policy? Leave a comment below or contact us at info@lapointeins.com.