Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Backup?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair | Sewer Line Repair | $1,100 | $5,800 |
The usual pattern
The water damage exclusion in the sample HO-3 form (ISO's October 2000 edition) includes water that backs up through sewers or drains, or overflows from a sump. Wisconsin's insurance regulator says these losses aren't covered under a homeowners policy and probably not under flood insurance. A 2009 Insurance Information Institute release notes that some policies do cover backups, but many don't.
How to get coverage
The NAIC lists water backup as a common optional add-on. Wisconsin's regulator says the endorsement is available through most insurers but may not be offered unless you ask. Ask about the limit, the deductible, and whether it covers sump pump overflow.
What the coverage may not pay for
The NAIC describes water backup coverage as paying for losses to the house caused by the backup. Ask whether it pays to repair or replace the damaged sewer line itself, because that may be a separate question.
After a backup
EPA says sewage or other contaminated water calls for professional cleanup. A 2009 Insurance Information Institute release suggests a backwater valve as one way to prevent future backups.
Check your policy
Read your own policy, including any endorsements, and ask your agent or insurer how it applies to your situation. Your state insurance department can answer questions about coverage and take complaints. This page describes general patterns, not what your policy will pay.
Common questions
Does flood insurance cover sewer backup?
Does insurance pay to fix my sewer line?
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Last verified 2026-11-03
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: Consumer's Guide to Homeowners Insurance — Sewer or sump backup not covered under the homeowners policy and probably not by flood insurance; endorsement available through most companies but may not be offered unless you ask.
- Insurance Information Institute: Which Disasters Are Covered by Homeowners Insurance? — Sewer backups aren't covered by a typical homeowners policy or flood insurance; separate product or endorsement.
- NAIC: Homeowners Insurance — Water backup coverage is a common optional add-on that pays for losses to the house from sewer or drain backup.
- Insurance Information Institute: Sample Homeowners Policy Form HO 00 03 (ISO edition of October 2000) — Sample form's Water Damage exclusion includes water that backs up through sewers or drains or overflows from a sump.
- Insurance Information Institute: Water Damage, What's Covered and What's Not (2009) — Some policies cover sewer and drain backups but many do not; backwater valve as prevention.
- U.S. EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home — Sewage or contaminated water cleanup warrants a professional.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.