Sewer Backup & Sump Overflow: Storm Claims Q&A

September 13, 2023||inPersonal Insurance|homeowners insurance, personal insurance, sewer back up

Heavy storm rains and other situations can cause sewage back-ups. Also, if water tends to leak into your basement when it’s very rainy, you may have a sump pit with a pump to move the water out. But what if the pump motor fails or the power goes out?

When these problems occur, they can cause a mini-disaster.

Q. Is water damage caused by a sewer back-up or failed sump pump covered by my homeowner policy?

A. No. These events are specifically excluded in a standard homeowner policy, yet many homeowners mistakenly assume that these situations are covered.

Sewer Backup & Sump Overflow: Storm Claims Q&A
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Q. Can I purchase coverage for a sewer backup or sump pump failure?

A. Yes. You can purchase limited coverage as part of a package endorsement that increases several coverages on your policy or as a separate Water Back-up and Sump Discharge or Overflow Endorsement (click to view sample) to your policy. The coverage is usually limited to $2,500 or $5,000, which keeps the cost low and gives some assistance that can help when needed. Generally, the average cost is about $100, and in some cases, you can purchase more coverage.

Considering that your furnace, hot water tank, washer and dryer, and many other household items are in your basement, it’s worth purchasing the maximum coverage available. We recommend this coverage to our customers; however, not everyone purchases protection.

If you aren’t 100% sure you have this coverage and want to have it in place, review your policy or Contact Us at Murhpy Insurance.

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