Water sources and how policies commonly treat them

Water source
Sewer or floor drain backup
Often treated as
Excluded unless a water backup endorsement was added
Where to look in your policy
Endorsements list; exclusions for water backup
Your notes
Water source
Burst supply line or failed washer hose
Often treated as
Often covered as sudden and accidental
Where to look in your policy
Covered perils; water damage section
Your notes
Water source
Slow leak over weeks or months
Often treated as
Often excluded as gradual or wear and tear
Where to look in your policy
Exclusions for continuous or repeated leakage
Your notes
Water source
Seepage through foundation
Often treated as
Often excluded as groundwater
Where to look in your policy
Exclusions for surface water and groundwater
Your notes
Water source
Window well filled by rain or snowmelt
Often treated as
Varies; may be treated as surface water
Where to look in your policy
Water exclusions; ask for a specific example
Your notes
Water source
Storm runoff from the alley or street
Often treated as
Usually treated as flood; separate flood policy needed
Where to look in your policy
Flood exclusion; check for any flood policy
Your notes
Water source
Sump pump failure
Often treated as
Often requires a backup or sump endorsement
Where to look in your policy
Endorsements; sump overflow wording
Your notes
Water source
Roof leak after hail
Often treated as
Often covered if the storm damaged the roof
Where to look in your policy
Windstorm and hail; roof age provisions
Your notes

Questions to ask your agent

Ask for the answers by email so you have them later.

  1. Do I have water backup coverage, and what is the limit compared with the value of my finished basement?
  2. Does the backup endorsement cover sump pump overflow as well as sewer backup?
  3. Is there a separate deductible for water claims?
  4. How does my policy handle contents in the basement versus the structure?
  5. Would a flood policy make sense for this address, and is there a waiting period before it starts?
  6. Does the policy pay to tear out and replace finishes needed to reach a leaking pipe?
  7. Are mold cleanup costs limited or excluded?

What to do with your answers

  • IfYou have no backup endorsement and the house has an old clay lateralAsk for a quote to add it, and consider a sewer scope to understand your risk.
  • IfYour backup limit is far below the cost to rebuild your finished basementAsk about higher limits, and keep a current record of the basement finish.
  • IfThe policy excludes seepage and you see efflorescencePut money toward drainage fixes; insurance is unlikely to help with this one.
  • IfEverything checks outSave the email and your inventory worksheet together where you can find them during a loss.

General information for Washington Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.