Skip to main content

What Is Water Backup Coverage & Why Do You Need It?

When it comes to homeowners insurance, most standard policies protect against unexpected water damage, such as that caused by wind-driven rainstorms or burst pipes. However, there's a limitation that homeowners may not be unaware of, as many policies exclude coverage for water damage from backed-up sewers and drains located off your property.

While you might be surprised to find out that damage from sewer backups that occur off your property aren’t covered, there's good news. You can add a water backup endorsement to your policy to protect against these types of water backups, including damage from sump pump failures.

It’s important to understand the distinction between "backup" and "overflow" when discussing water damage. A backup happens when water flows backward through pipes, often due to a blockage or other obstruction. In contrast, an overflow occurs when water cannot properly drain due to a clog, causing it to spill over the edges of the drain or sump.

What is a water backup endorsement?

The water backup endorsement can be added to your homeowners insurance policy to cover damage caused by water backing up through sewers or drains off your property, or from overflows or discharges from sump pumps. With this endorsement, you’re covered for the direct physical damage caused by these issues – whether it's from a clogged sewer or a sump pump failure. Here are a few scenarios where water backup coverage could kick in:

  • Power outage: If a storm causes a power outage and your sump pump stops working, leading to water in your basement, the water backup endorsement may cover the resulting damage.
  • Clogged sewer pipe: If a blockage in a sewer line off your property causes water to back up into your home, water backup coverage may apply.
  • Heavy rainfall: In cases where heavy rain causes water to enter the basement through an improperly functioning sump pump or French drain, this endorsement may help cover the damages.

 

What does water backup coverage include?

Water backup coverage can generally pay for repairs to your home, personal belongings and the costs of cleanup and mitigation efforts.

  • Home repairs: Damage to the structure of your home, including walls and floors, caused by water backup or overflow.
  • Personal property: Damage to personal items like furniture, electronics and clothing, in areas of your home affected by the water.
  • Cleanup and mitigation: Costs associated with removing the water, drying out the space, preventing mold growth and removing any wet or damaged material.

However, there are certain exclusions in both the homeowners policy and water backup endorsement you should be aware of, such as:

  • Wear and tear: Normal aging or deterioration of plumbing, pipes or sump pump systems isn’t typically covered. However, the ensuing water damage may be covered.
  • Groundwater seepage: Water that seeps or flows into your home through the foundation, driveways, patios or other structures is generally excluded.
  • Flood damage: Damage caused by surface water, waves or water from tides is generally not covered under water backup insurance. For this, you would need to purchase flood insurance.

 

Do I need to have water backup and sump overflow endorsement?

Do you need water backup coverage with an unfinished basement? Or if you don’t have a sump pump? The decision to add water backup coverage to your policy can depend on several factors. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether this endorsement is right for you:

  • Home features: If your home has a finished basement, it’s especially important to consider water backup coverage. Water damage in finished areas can be costly to repair, and the contents in these spaces, even unfinished basements – furniture, keepsakes and appliances – are at greater risk of being damaged.
  • Location: If you live in an area that experiences frequent storms or heavy rainfall, you may be at a higher risk for water backup or overflow damage. Additionally, if you live in an area prone to power outages, a malfunctioning sump pump during a storm may result in overflows.
  • Age of plumbing system: Older communities with aging pipes may be more likely to experience blockages or failures that could lead to water backups.

 

Tips on how to prevent water backup and sump overflow

While water backup coverage can help cover the costs associated with repairing damage, prevention is always the best approach. Try to keep your plumbing and sump pump well-maintained to ensure everything is functioning properly. Routine inspections can catch small issues before they become big problems.

For more detailed information, check out our guide on how to prevent basement flooding and water damage.

Get a home insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.

This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.

This content may contain helpful tips, explanation and advice. Your use of this information is voluntary and may not be effective in every circumstance. Amica encourages you to use good judgement and put safety first.

For more information on our editorial process and content standard, take a look at our editorial guidelines.

 

AMIC-03-031725