Fall and spring tend to be the seasons that have the most precipitation, which causes our homes to be more susceptible to the backup of sewer or drain lines. While the sewer line does not backup often, when it does occur, the problem can be quite costly. Were you aware of the fact that your homeowners insurance policy excludes coverage for such events, unless coverage is added by endorsement?

The backup of sewer and drains as well as the failure of a sump pump is excluded. The damage you sustain from either of these problems will not be covered and you'll be responsible to pay for the damaged property and the clean up, unless you added the endorsement that provides sewer & drain coverage. If you have a finished basement, you should strongly consider adding the sewer & drain endorsement. If you use your basement for storage, you should ask your agent if the sewer & drain endorsement that your homeowners policy provides, will provide coverage for your contents, and not just the dwelling.

Heavy rains can trigger a sewer backup. If the sewer line does backup, sewage water would enter your home through your toilets or washtubs, usually in the basement. Sump pump failures normally occur from power outages or mechanical failure. Sump pumps run on electricity and during a storm, there is a chance of a power outage. During a bad storm is when you need the sump pump to work the most, to keep the water out of your basement, but then the power goes out, the sump pump stops working, water overflows, and now you have water damage in your basement. Again, this would not be covered by your homeowners policy, unless you added the sewer & drain endorsement.

Be sure to ask your agent if you currently have this coverage on your homeowners policy. If you do not, consider adding the endorsement, you will probably find that the endorsement is relatively inexpensive. The endorsement usually cost an additional $40 to $65 for the year. That is well worth the peace of mind. That’s why it’s important to contact your agent, so that you are aware of the coverages your policy contains, before it is too late.