There are few things that can be more frightening than finding standing sewage in your basement due to a burst pipe, blocked sewer, or damage to walls and carpets. The cost of cleaning up and fixing the damage can add up quickly, so make sure you have insurance. Sewer backup coverage can be a highly beneficial financial protection for a homeowner because it adds compensation for sewer backup damage, which is not typically included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
What is sewer backup insurance?
Sewer backup insurance protects you from damages caused by standing sewage in your bathroom, toilet, basement, or other areas of your home. Sewer backup coverage covers the costs of fixing your sewer line, up to the city sewer line, and cleaning your house of sewage. This coverage is also known as water backup insurance, drain line backup coverage and sewer backup insurance.
Is homeowners insurance included in sewer backup coverage?
Standard home insurance policies do not cover sewer backup coverage. Although some insurance companies offer sewer backup coverage as an endorsement, or rider to their policies, the coverage limits may not be sufficient to cover an expensive loss. Although sewer backup may be offered by some insurance companies as a separate policy they only cover the lines and do not provide financial protection to your home in case of a backup. Your insurance provider might refuse to cover sewer backups that are caused by a problem with a city line or due to lack of maintenance.
Insurance policies for homeowners typically cover unexpected plumbing damage, such as a burst pipe, leaking pipe, or broken faucet. The coverage does not often extend to the sewer system. Sewer coverage is usually an add-on, endorsement, or rider to your policy.
Sewer backups: Causes
There are many reasons why your house might be flooded with sewage. Sewer backups can cause costly damage to your property, regardless of whether it is a small leakage or deep flooding. These are some of the most common reasons:
- Clogged pipes: There are many reasons drain pipes can get clogged. If the clog is not removed, it can cause sewer backups in other areas of the house.
- Tree roots: Sewer backups can occur when underground pipes are entrapped in tree roots. Slow drains and unusual sounds should be checked immediately to prevent tree roots damaging your sewer system.
- Broken line: Sewage can flow into your home if the line connecting your house to the main is damaged. If you suspect that this is the cause of sewage backup in your home, contact your local municipality.
What is sewer backup coverage?
Most sewer backup insurance covers damage to the line that runs from your home to the main. The policy covers the cost of having standing sewer removed from your home and the repair costs associated with it. This coverage is subject to limits. Sewer backup insurance does NOT cover a damaged or faulty plumbing system in your home. This is usually included in standard dwelling coverage, but may vary from one provider to another.
Also, sewer backup insurance might not cover damage that occurs gradually over time because of lack of maintenance. If the problem was caused by your municipality, some providers might not be able to cover your standing sewage. Before you buy sewer backup coverage, make sure you read all the details.
Flood insurance does not include sewer backup coverage. This is an entirely different type of insurance. Flood insurance would not cover sewer backup flooding. This is because it is directly related to your septic system. Your sewer backup insurance does not cover flood damage that is not caused by your sewer lines and septic system.
Questions frequently asked
Is there a sewer backup policy that covers flooding?
It all depends on the nature of flooding and the cause. Flooding caused by your septic system backing up in one room of your home would be covered. Flooding that is not caused by your septic system, water lines, or sewage in your home may be covered. This policy can be sold through the National Flood Insurance Program, or other home insurance companies.
Are I eligible for flood insurance or sewer backup?
Flooding due to an overflowing of sewage is not covered under flood insurance. Sewer backup insurance does not cover flooding from storms or hurricanes. You may need both flood insurance and home insurance depending on the risk to your home.
How much does sewer backup coverage cost?
On average, sewer backup coverage can cost anywhere between $50 and $250 per year, depending upon the coverage limits you choose and how risky the build and location of your house is deemed by your insurer. Depending on whether you opt to add water or sewer backup to your home insurance policy, or if you choose just the service line maintenance coverage, the impact to rates will vary accordingly. Prices can vary from one insurance company to another as with all insurance products.