Water and Sump Pump Backup is an endorsement to the Homeowners Policy that is often forgot about by first time home buyers. A homeowners insurance policy in its standard form will not cover water that is “backed up” through a drain, toilet, etc. If you own a Sump Pump and it fails or is over-loaded, you also not covered for damage or clean up of water.
When you live in an older city, (like every person including myself in Upstate NY), the municipal water removal systems are very old. The antiquated technology is often overloaded in large storms. All that water has to go someplace and for many unfortunate people that place is going to be their basement.
We’re not talking about a Flood insurance. For insurance purposes a flood is water is that enters the house OVER a foundation. Flood insurance is a different monster and is designed for low lying areas (i.e. Mississippi River Valley) where flooding occurs easily. If you live in a Flood zone and don’t have flood insurance, your Homeowners does not cover Flood either. Go find a good insurance professional and get a flood policy today.
Water Backup Coverage
Water and Sump Pump Backup covers drains, discharges, sump pumps, and toilets. Basically any place where excess water can “backup” into your home. Most often this happens in the form of six inches of water on your basement floor. The water is dirty and disgusting and its going to cost you a few grand to clean up and dry out your basement, not including the damages to your personal property (which is also NOT covered without the Water Backup endorsement).
On most policies you can buy an “Endorsement” or “Rider” to cover between $2,500 and $25,000 worth of damage and repair. Do NOT assume you have this endorsement. Many agents will leave Water and Sump Pump Backup off a policy because they want to offer their client the “Lowest Price” in order to get the business. And since you didn’t ask for it, they don’t feel obligated to offer it to you.
So if you are a First Time Home Buyer or current Homeowner who may be at risk of a wet basement, talk to your insurance professional about the Water and Sump Pump Backup endorsement. The small fee is well worth the protection in times of wet weather.
Thank you,
Ryan H.
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created by Ryan Hanley