Water Backup Coverage & How to Protect Your Home from Burst Pipes

As the air turns crisp and fall approaches, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to think beyond pumpkin décor and start preparing their homes for the colder months. One critical and often overlooked area is water backup and burst pipe coverage.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing account for nearly 24% of all homeowners insurance claims. That’s nearly 1 in 4 claims, many of which are preventable. Fall is your best opportunity to proactively protect your home before winter weather strikes.

What Is Water Backup Coverage?

Water backup coverage is an optional add-on (endorsement) to your homeowners policy. It covers damage caused by water backing up into your home through sewers, drains, or sump pumps. It’s a scenario not typically covered under standard homeowners insurance.

For example, if your sump pump fails during a heavy rainstorm and your basement floods, standard insurance likely won't cover the damage unless you’ve added water backup coverage. And with the average water backup claim costing $10,000 or more, this small additional premium can protect you from big losses.

Does It Cover Burst Pipes?

Water backup coverage and burst pipe coverage are not the same. The good news is most standard homeowners policies do cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, but not if the pipes froze due to negligence (like failing to heat your home).

That’s where prevention becomes critical.

Fall Prevention Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Claim

Before the first freeze, take these steps to avoid water-related headaches:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements, and garages.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outside water valves.
• Check your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Install a water leak detector to catch slow leaks before they become disasters.
• Maintain your gutters to prevent water buildup near your foundation.
• Keep your home heated to at least 55°F if you’re away during the colder months.

Final Thought

Water-related claims can be costly and disruptive, but with the right coverage and proactive maintenance, they’re also largely avoidable. As fall arrives, take this opportunity to review your homeowners policy, confirm you have water backup coverage if you need it, and safeguard your home from the freezing months ahead.

Need help reviewing your policy? Contact our office and we’ll walk you through your options and make sure you’re ready for whatever fall (or winter) sends your way.