Water Damage Insurance for Homeowners

Sewer Backup

• You often hear about storm sewers being overwhelmed during a heavy downpour and residential basements being flooded. If you do not carry the endorsement for backup of sewer and drains, you may not be covered for the cleanup.

Appliances and Personal Items

• Backup of sewer and drains coverage is still not enough to cover the damage to your furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, and personal belongings that may be destroyed. An additional endorsement may be needed to cover these items.

Flood Insurance

• Flood insurance is a separate policy and is recommended if you live in a floodplain or an area near a major waterway, ocean or dam. This can be purchased through FEMA or an insurance agency authorized to sell the FEMA flood policy.

Roof Damage

• Water damage due to a storm, such as rain pouring into the house when the wind damages the roof, may be covered in the standard homeowner's policy. Mold in the walls from a slow leak or from roof damage that was not reported is not covered. Mold is a hazard that most insurers will not cover.