Is Sewer Backup Covered Under a Basic Homeowners Policy?
Sewer backup can cause significant damage to your home, leading to costly repairs and major inconvenience. It’s important to know whether your standard homeowners insurance policy covers you from this type of water damage, and what steps you can take if it doesn’t.
Independent Agents Offer Choice
There are two types of insurance agents: captive and independent. Captive agents only sell the policies of a single insurance carrier, whereas independent agents are authorized to sell policies for any number of carriers with whom they choose to partner.
So, if you buy your auto policy from a captive agent, then you will only be able to select from the policies that carrier offers, and the choice will be limited. However, an independent agent will be able to extensively compare policies from across a wide network of insurers, and help you determine the one that offers you the right coverage at the most competitive price.
In reality, policies from different insurers might look identical in terms of coverage but might actually be priced quite differently. It’s only natural to want a policy that offers you the most value and affordability, and if you only work with a captive agent, then you might not be unlocking the full cost perks that you might be able to obtain from another insurer. Your independent agent will therefore be able to guide you in the direction of coverage that will offer you the best of both worlds.
“We called Imagine Clany Eco when another company cancelled on us last minute for our move-out cleaning. Clany Eco was able to book us and make it out in 2 hours and did an amazing job. We even got our deposit back.”
What Does a Basic Homeowners Policy Cover?
Most basic homeowners insurance policies in Texas are designed to cover sudden and accidental damage, such as fire, theft or certain types of water damage. However, water that enters your home due to a sewer or drain backup is typically excluded from standard coverage. This means if your sewer line backs up and causes flooding in your home, your basic policy likely will not pay for the resulting repairs or cleanup.
Why Is Sewer Backup Usually Excluded?
Insurance companies often exclude sewer backup because it’s considered a preventable risk and can result in extensive, expensive claims. Common causes include heavy rainfall, aging sewer systems or blockages in the main line. Since these events are not as unpredictable as other covered perils, they require separate consideration.
How Can You Cover Your Home from Sewer Backup?
To insure your property, you may want to consider adding a sewer backup endorsement to your homeowners policy. This optional coverage can help pay for repairs, replacement of damaged belongings and cleanup costs if a backup occurs. The endorsement can offer valuable financial security, especially in areas prone to heavy storms or older infrastructure.
How Our Team Can Help
At American Reliable Insurance Agency, we help Texas homeowners understand the details of their insurance policies and identify any gaps in coverage. Our team can review your current policy, explain what is and isn’t covered and discuss whether a sewer backup endorsement makes sense for your situation.
If you have questions about sewer backup coverage or want to explore your options, contact us today.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.