Water damage is one of the most common homeowners insurance questions we get. The answer depends on where the water came from. A burst pipe, a sewer backup and a flood are three different things to your insurance company.
Water from inside your home: usually covered
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The Insurance Information Institute (III) says homeowners insurance covers water damage from things like a burst pipe, wind-driven rain and ice dams on your roof. A simple way to think about it: water that comes from the top down, or from a pipe or appliance that suddenly breaks, is usually covered.
What isn’t covered is slow damage. A drip under the sink that rots the floor over months is usually treated as a maintenance problem, not a sudden accident. The standard homeowners form excludes wear and tear, rust and deterioration.
Sewer and drain backup: usually not covered unless you add it
This is the one that surprises people. The standard homeowners form (the ISO HO 3, the form many policies are based on) excludes water that backs up through sewers or drains, or that overflows from a sump pump.
III says some policies cover sewer and drain backups but many don’t, and you can add a sewer backup rider (also called an endorsement) to your policy. If you have a finished basement or a sump pump, this is worth asking about.
When you add one, ask your agent:
- What’s the limit? Is it a separate, lower limit than the rest of your policy?
- What’s the deductible?
- Does it cover your belongings in the basement, or just the building?
Flood: not covered by homeowners insurance
FEMA says most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy. You can buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and, in some areas, from private insurers.
A few things to know about NFIP flood policies:
- There’s usually a 30-day wait before the policy starts, with some exceptions, such as when your lender requires it at closing. Don’t wait for the forecast.
- Building coverage goes up to $250,000 and contents coverage up to $100,000.
- NFIP coverage in a basement is limited. It doesn’t cover most personal belongings stored there.
You don’t have to live next to a river to get flood damage. Heavy rain and poor drainage can flood homes outside high-risk zones too. Ask your agent about your flood risk, even if your lender doesn’t require flood insurance.
Quick guide
| Type of water | Standard homeowners policy | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Burst pipe or appliance (sudden) | Usually covered | Check your deductible |
| Slow leak over time | Usually not covered | Fix leaks early |
| Sewer or drain backup, sump overflow | Usually not covered | Ask about a backup endorsement |
| Flood or surface water | Not covered | Ask about a flood policy |
How to lower your risk
III suggests a few easy steps:
- Check the hoses on your washer, dishwasher, water heater and fridge every year.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear and pointed away from the house.
- Think about a backwater valve, which lets sewage out but not back in.
- Store things in the basement on shelves or in waterproof bins.
The bottom line
Your home policy likely covers a burst pipe. It likely doesn’t cover a sewer backup unless you’ve added it, and it doesn’t cover a flood. A quick review of your policy can show you where the gaps are.
Want us to check your home policy for water gaps? Call or text us at 330-486-8404. We work with multiple top-rated carriers for home and flood coverage, and we’ll try to save you money while we close the gaps.
Kaufman Insurance Group is an Ohio-based independent agency with agency licenses in Ohio and North Carolina. Contact us to shop multiple top carriers.
FAQs
What does homeowners insurance cover in terms of water damage?
Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage caused by sudden and accidental events, such as a burst pipe or water that gets in after a storm damages your roof. It may not cover water damage caused by gradual issues, such as ongoing leaks or poor maintenance.
Does homeowners insurance cover water backup?
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually do not cover water backup or sewer backup unless a specific endorsement or rider is added to the policy. This coverage can help pay for damages caused by water backing up through sewers or drains.
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners typically need to buy a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer to protect their property from flood damage.
What is the difference between water backup and flood insurance?
Water backup insurance covers damage caused by water backing up through sewers or drains, while flood insurance protects against damage caused by rising water from an outside source, such as a river or heavy rainfall. Both types of coverage are typically not included in standard homeowners insurance policies.
How can homeowners protect their property from water damage and floods?
Maintain your plumbing, keep a working sump pump, keep water draining away from the house and ask your agent about backup and flood coverage.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute, “How to protect your home from water damage”
- Insurance Information Institute, sample ISO HO 3 homeowners policy form
- FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program (FloodSmart)
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