5 Essential Insurance Coverages: Water Back-Up and Sump Overflow Endorsement

Mr. Klopp’s home is hooked up to the city sewer. One day, Mr. Klopp arrives home from work to find that sewage has backed up through many of his drains. This does significant (and terrible smelling) damage to his rugs, furniture, personal property, and hardwood floors. Fortunately, he is able to file a claim on his homeowners insurance policy for the damage caused by the backup because he has the Water Back-Up/Sump Overflow endorsement.

What is the Water Backup and Sump Overflow Endorsement?

When your home is affected by water damage like Mr. Klopp, you want to be confident that your insurance policy provides you with coverage. However, did you know that coverage for water backups and sump pump overflows is typically excluded on a standard homeowners insurance policy? That’s where the Water Back-up and Sump Overflow endorsement steps in. This endorsement provides coverage for damage resulting from water that backs up through sewers or drains, or overflows from a sump, french drain, or sump pump, even if the sump pump fails. While this endorsement generally includes damage to covered property, it excludes coverage for the sump pump itself.

Why Add This Endorsement

Sewer pipes get old and fail. When that happens, the water will reverse course and flow back into your drain and cause damage. Sump pumps can also fail or become inundated with water from a storm, in which case they will be unable to keep water away from your foundation or basement. These incidents can result in damage to drywall, floors, floor coverings, furniture, personal items, curtains, etc.

Sewer water remediation can be expensive, not to mention the cost of replacing furniture, carpet, floors, and various other belongings. Without this endorsement, you would end up paying out of pocket in the event of this kind of claim.

Request to add the Water Backup and Sump Overflow Endorsement

At Bearingstar, we’re dedicated to helping you identify risky coverage gaps and find endorsements, like Water Back-up and Sump Overflow coverage, that may help better protect your property. Let the Bearingstar team help you add this valuable endorsement onto your existing home insurance policy. To reach a member of our Massachusetts team, call 877-801-7424, or to talk to a Connecticut Bearingstar professional, call 888-519-9996. One of our team members will be happy to help you find the personal insurance coverages that best fit your home, budget, and lifestyle.