Homeowners insurance can provide financial protection against typical such as theft, fire, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. However, did you know that your standard homeowners insurance may not cover water backups? Water backups can occur due to several reasons, such as a clogged pipe or a failed sump pump. When water backs up into your home, it can cause extensive damage to your property and personal belongings. Fortunately, most companies offer water backup coverage as an optional endorsement to help provide some coverage in these situations. Water backup coverage is one of the most useful homeowners insurance endorsements, helping protect your home and personal property from sewage or sump pump backups.
Key Takeaways
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What is water backup coverage?
Water backup coverage is an optional endorsement that helps protect your home and personal property from sewage or sump pump backups. Standard homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental water damage that originates in the home, like water damage from a burst pipe, but water that backs up through sewers or drains is usually excluded from coverage. To help supplement that gap in coverage, you will want to add the water backup endorsement to your policy.
What is covered by water backup?
A standard water or sewer backup coverage endorsement would reimburse you up to policy limits for water damage to the structure of your home or personal property if it's discharged or overflows from a sewer or drain, a sump, sump pump or related equipment.
How much does it usually cost?
It always depends on the company, but you can usually add between $5,000 to $25,000 in water back up protection to your policy for $30 to $70 per year. This can vary quite a bit as many companies offer endorsement packages that might include this coverage. Talk with your agent for specifics.
How much coverage do you need?
This depends on your situation. A good rule of thumb is to consider how much it would cost to replace your flooring, furniture and personal belongings if they were damaged by a sewer or drain backup and then go from there.
How much coverage do you need?
Important to note that water backup coverage does not cover damage to the sump pump or plumbing.
In conclusion, having water backup coverage can save you from hefty expenses if water backs up into your home due to unforeseen circumstances. It’s essential to understand that adding this endorsement to your homeowners’ policy does not cause a significant increase in your premium while this coverage can give you peace of mind. If you are considering purchasing a water backup endorsement, contact your insurance agent.