What is water back-up and sump pump overflow coverage?

Do you need water back-up coverage?

Water that backs up from sewers, drains, or overflows from a sump pump typically isn't covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Even if you have a separate flood insurance policy, your water back-up issue may not be covered.

Your home might be at risk for water back-up depending on:

• The age of your municipal sewer system: Homeowners are typically responsible for the pipes running from the home to the main sewer line. Any problem with that line, including blockages, are to be repaired at the homeowner's expense.
• The age of your home: An aging home often means an aging sewer line.
• Your home's foundation: Basements are more susceptible to water back-up than homes on a cement pad.
• The number of trees near your home: Sometimes trees can root into pipes and wreak havoc on the sewer system.

What does water back-up coverage cover?

Water back-up coverage is an optional add-on to your homeowners policy that may cover:

• Sewers or drains that back up into your home
• Failure or overflow of a sump pump
• Blocked drain tile

Water back-up coverage may also pay to repair damaged personal property, such as furniture and electronics, as well as structural things like floors and walls, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible.

What does it not cover?

Water that backs up from sewers, drains, or sump pump overflow typically is not covered under standard homeowners insurance policy. Additionally, water back-up and pump coverage will likely also not cover:

• Flooding
• Costs to repair or replace any municipal service lines
• Replacement of a broken sump pump, though adding equipment breakdown coverage to your policy could cover this

Damage from a burst pipe is not something water back-up coverage will help with, though your homeowners policies may.

How much does water back-up coverage cost?

The amount you'll pay for water back-up coverage varies by state, by insurer, and by the coverage limit you select on your policy.

What can cause water to back up into your home?

Water can back up into a house for many reasons, including a clogged drain, old pipes, or tree roots interfering with the plumbing. A common way to try and combat water back-up is with a sump pump.

Sump pumps collect excess water from around your home's foundation and pumps it away from the house – but they're not perfect. Sump pump malfunctions can sometimes occur, leading to an overflow and a back-up of water that can damage floors and carpets and is the exact problem the pump is supposed to prevent.

While certain types of water damage are protected under standard homeowners insurance policies, water back-up and sump pump overflows are usually excluded from coverage. Learn if homeowners insurance covers basement floods.

How to get water back-up coverage through Progressive