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Many property owners believe that a standard insurance policy covers any damage caused by water, but this is simply not the case. In fact there are several common exclusions relating to water that may surprise you.
Common Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Exclusions:
Sewer backup damage in particular catches many homeowners off guard. Without a sewer backup endorsement, damage caused by sewer system backups or sump pump failure will not be covered by most typical homeowner’s policies or flood insurance policies. However, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standard flood insurance policy covers sewer or drain backup when the backup is a direct result of flooding in the area.
Sewer backup and sump pump failure are different from an overflowed toilet or sudden plumbing issue, which are typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Need help identifying the cause of damage and determining whether or not it’s covered under your policy? A Public Adjuster can help!
What is Sewer Backup Damage?
According to the Minnesota Commerce Department, sewer system failure occurs when a city sewer system fails either due to lift stations not working as a result of the power outage or when the system is overwhelmed by flood water causing it to back up. Sewer contamination can be extensive in lower levels of a building.
Sump system failure occurs when power to sump pumps stops or the volume of water entering the system exceeds the ability of the system to remove it.
Backed-up sewers and failed sump pumps can damage flooring, furniture and electrical equipment. Sewage is a Category 3 biohazard that requires professional remediation, and cleanup is often the largest line item cost.
Without proper gap coverage, homeowners can find themselves paying out of pocket to repair and clean up the damage.
Should I get a Sewer Backup Endorsement?
In order to protect their property from sewer back-ups or sump pump failures, homeowners must purchase a separate product or endorsement.
NerdWallet recommends that getting a sewer backup policy might be an especially good decision if you have: a sump pump, finished basement, home with aging pipes, trees with roots that could disrupt your septic/plumbing system, or an aging septic system or sewer system.
Filing a Sewer Backup Damage Claim
If you do have sewer backup coverage and experience sewer system backup or sump pump failure, a Public Adjuster can help you navigate the nuances of this particular type of claim and reach a fair settlement. (However, if you do not have an endorsement for this type of damage, a Public Adjuster will not be able to help since this damage will not be covered, regardless of whether or not you have professional representation.)
A Public Adjuster can also help if you believe the cause of your loss has been mischaracterized. For example, if your carrier characterizes the damage as sewer backup, but you believe it was a sudden supply-line failure. They can help
As a licensed insurance expert, your Public Adjuster will review and explain your insurance policy, thoroughly inspect and document your property damage, and handle all paperwork and communications with your insurer related to your claim.
Especially with sewer backup and sump pump failure claims—which may involve concurrent causation from flood waters—it can be helpful to have an advocate on your side who knows the process and how to navigate common claim issues like wrongful denials, unreasonable delays, and undervalued settlement offers.
When Can I Hire a Public Adjuster?
A Public Adjuster can be brought on at any point in the claim process following sewer backup damage. To move the claim along quickly, you can hire a Public Adjuster as soon as you notice the damage and notify your insurer.
But if you decide to try handling the claim yourself first, you can still call a Public Adjuster at any point after filing, including after receiving a settlement offer or claim denial. In the event of a denial, your Public Adjuster will examine the claim as well as your policy language and property damage to see if you have grounds to reopen the claim. If so, they will appeal the claim decision with the insurance company adjuster and negotiate to ensure you receive the amount you are owed.
Get Help with Sewer Backup Damage Claims
If you experience catastrophic sewer system backup or sump pump failure, contact Tiger Adjusters for assistance with your claim.
Insurance companies routinely underpay and wrongfully deny claims to protect their bottom line. They hope you’ll accept the decision without pushback and eat the out-of-pocket costs. But you have another option: fight back with a licensed Public Adjuster. Find a Tiger Adjusters office in your state >>
