Do Homeowners Need Sewer Backup Coverage?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have sewer-backup coverage?

Three Reasons to Seek Additional Coverage For a Residence

A sewer backup is a messy and smelly problem that can pose risks to personal health and structural integrity. While homeowners insurance covers some sewer issues as part of a structure, damage caused by backups is often excluded from these policies. Here are three reasons to seek additional coverage for a residence in Plumstead Township, PA.

1. Most Policies Exclude Backups
The majority of homeowners insurance policies exclude sewer backups. The only way to avoid paying the entirety of cleanup and restoration costs for the resulting damage is to get an endorsement or rider for backup coverage. This policy provides coverage for a variety of damage that is cut out of most general policies.
2. Cleanup and Restoration Costs
A sewer backup can range in severity from a clogged toilet to outside flooding that causes sanitary sewer mains to back up into a basement. Any damage involving contaminated water and solid waste requires disinfection. The cost of cleaning, tearing out damaged building materials and restoring the affected area can be considerable. Water damage restoration specialists can provide all of these services and may limit the extent of the damage.
3. Reduce Expenditures Up To Sewer Line Repair
Coverage for backups is an important addition to home insurance coverage. This policy only applies to damage to the structure or interior of a residence. Sewer line insurance can cover line issues and reduce the out-of-pocket costs of accessing the pipe, locating blockages or identifying a collapsed sewer line and repairing or replacing any portions of the pipe.
Sewer backup coverage can be helpful for managing the costs associated with cleaning up contaminated water and waste. An endorsement for backups does not extend to the cost of sewer line maintenance or replacement at a property in Plumstead Township, PA. Maintaining additional coverage for backups or sewer lines can minimize out-of-pocket expenses for a variety of problems.