Posted on June 5, 2023
ICHQ | Site Author
Water damage from backed-up sewer and plumbing systems affects thousands of homes each day. Luckily, you can cover yourself and your home from the aftermath of a backup and subsequent damage using water backup coverage.
The homeowners insurance claim attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ know that water backups can be challenging to make claims around, and we are here to help. This article will introduce you to everything you need to know about water backup insurance, including what it covers and why it’s necessary.
Does a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Water Backups?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies protect your home and its contents from damages resulting from harsh weather elements, vandalism, theft, fire, and smoke.
However, standard homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover you against any losses caused by water backups. To get this kind of protection, you must get additional coverage.
What Does Water Backup Insurance Cover?
In most cases, water backup insurance policies protect policyholders from damages caused by:
Blocked city pipelines
A clogged city pipeline can force raw sewage back into your home through the toilets, sink drains, or bathtubs. And if raw sewage seeps into the flooring or comes into contact with electrical systems, household appliances, or furniture, it can cause unforeseen damages and immense cost implications.
Damaged sewers
Various issues often lead to a damaged sewer, including offset joints, misaligned pipes, and cracks or holes in the system. And besides causing minor problems like foul order and slow drains, a broken sewer system may develop leaks that ultimately lead to severe issues like foundation cracks.
Clogged drains
A clog discourages wastewater from effectively flowing down the drain, which spells disaster. Why? If wastewater fails to drain properly, it can stagnate or flow backward. Both outcomes are undesirable because they can lead to water contamination and diseases. Plus, in extreme cases, blocked drains allow water to soak into your home’s foundation, which can weaken it or cause irreparable structural damage.
Faulty appliances
Appliances often develop issues that lead to water backup. For instance, a clog in your washing machine’s drain pipe can cause this problem by affecting its ability to drain water effectively. In extreme cases, faulty appliances lead to extensive flooding and costly damages.
Malfunctioning gutter systems
Blocked or damaged gutters encourage leaks in your home. And, if left unaddressed, leaks lead to rotten fascia boards, stained walls, and damaged ceiling components. Plus, water may drip down on furniture, electronics, and other sensitive items and damage them.
Is Water Backup Coverage Worth It?
Yes, water backup insurance coverage is recommended for all homeowners.
Water backup coverage is usually fairly inexpensive. Depending on your exposure to risk and selected coverage limits, water backup coverage can cost you an additional $50-$250. This is a significantly lower amount compared to the expenses you may incur out of pocket after a water backup.
Planning to Make a Homeowners Insurance Claim? Talk to Us
If your home is damaged and you want to file a homeowners insurance claim, reach out to us. At Insurance Claim HQ, our homeowners insurance claim attorneys can help you determine if your water damage claim deserves a fairer compensation from the insurance company. Contact us now for a free case evaluation and expert legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coverage can I receive from water backup insurance?
Most water backup insurance providers offer different levels of coverage. You may choose a policy that protects a given value of your property, like $5,000, or one that will fully replace affected items in your home.
Should I get water backup coverage for my apartment?
Water backup insurance isn’t exclusively for homeowners. Remember, water backups can also wreak havoc in apartments, so getting coverage for your unit is advisable.
