Does home insurance cover water backup damage?

If you’re insured with a traditional home insurance provider, you may discover that water backup is excluded from the base policy. Often it’s available as a rider at an additional cost. In some areas, the risk of flooding causing water backup is so high, that insurers will only add water backup coverage in small increments, up to a specified limit. This limit may or may not be sufficient to cover the cleanup, let alone the replacement of damaged goods. Often drywall and carpets will need to be torn out, and replaced. And think about the cost to replace all of the belongings kept in your basement.

What does water backup insurance cover?

If a sewer backs up, causing freshwater or wastewater to enter your home, water backup insurance is designed to cover the cleanup. If your home insurance policy settles losses on a replacement cost basis, your policy will also pay to replace your damaged property. Other policies provide coverage on an actual cash value basis. If that’s the case, your policy will pay only the depreciated value of any damaged items.

How much does water backup insurance cost?

The cost to add water backup could range from $10 to $250 per year with traditional home insurance policies. Not all insurance policies (or homes) are created equal. Some companies allow you to add water backup to your policy, but will limit the amount of coverage to $5,000. Others will cover you right up to the coverage limit. If you have an empty basement, you’ll need less coverage than someone with a developed basement, full of furniture.

What is the deductible for water backup damage?

Depending on the home insurance provider you deal with, the standard policy deductible or a separate inland flood deductible may apply. The inland flood deductible applies to water backups caused by inland floods. If you live in an area where water backups from inland floods have been a problem, your deductible will likely be higher.

Water backup insurance

If you’ve ever experienced a water backup in your home, you know what a mess it can create. Water backups can occur when a drainage system simply can’t handle unexpected volumes of water from a major rainstorm or a sudden snow melt. The waste water flows back, through the pipes, into your home. Sewage coming into your home can cause extensive damage, not to mention serious health risks. Immediate cleanup is required, and can be very expensive.

While there are some steps you can take to prevent water backup damage, such as installing a sewer backwater valve, the only way to financially protect your family and home against water backup damage is to buy insurance.

In North America, most home insurance providers let you add water backup coverage to their policies. At Square One Insurance Services, we automatically include water backup insurance in all our policies. No paying extra. To learn more about water backup insurance, review the information provided below.

Does home insurance cover water backup damage?		If you’re insured with a traditional home insurance provider, you may discover that water backup is excluded from the base policy. Often it’s available as a rider at an additional cost. In some areas, the risk of flooding causing water backup is so high, that insurers will only add water backup coverage in small increments, up to a specified limit. This limit may or may not be sufficient to cover the cleanup, let alone the replacement of damaged goods. Often drywall and carpets will need to be torn out, and replaced. And think about the cost to replace all of the belongings kept in your basement. At Square One, our home insurance policies automatically cover loss or damage caused by water backup. No paying extra. In fact, you get one of the most comprehensive policies with us.
What does water backup insurance cover?		If a sewer backs up, causing freshwater or wastewater to enter your home, water backup insurance is designed to cover the cleanup. If your home insurance policy settles losses on a replacement cost basis, your policy will also pay to replace your damaged property. Other policies provide coverage on an actual cash value basis. If that’s the case, your policy will pay only the depreciated value of any damaged items.
How much does water backup insurance cost?		The cost to add water backup could range from $10 to $250 per year with traditional home insurance policies. Not all insurance policies (or homes) are created equal. Some companies allow you to add water backup to your policy, but will limit the amount of coverage to $5,000. Others will cover you right up to the coverage limit. If you have an empty basement, you’ll need less coverage than someone with a developed basement, full of furniture. The price you pay for water backup insurance will depend on: The area in which you live; The amount of coverage you require; The type of home you live in; Whether your home has a basement; and, Whether your basement is finished. Water backup insurance is included in all home insurance policies offered by Square One. No paying extra.
What is the deductible for water backup damage?		Depending on the home insurance provider you deal with, the standard policy deductible or a separate inland flood deductible may apply. The inland flood deductible applies to water backups caused by inland floods. If you live in an area where water backups from inland floods have been a problem, your deductible will likely be higher.

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So easy.

I just insured with Square One, and the major difference is that they make it so easy to do online. The process is accessible, clear, and comprehensive. In a world where admin is so onerous, this was refreshing and so welcome!

Excellent service and response.

I don’t typically write reviews, but on this occasion, I have to admit that it is with great pleasure that I write a positive review on the experience I had with Square One and Sam Seha (building adjuster). The heavy wind in the Niagara region literally blew the shingles off the roof of my house. I submitted a claim on May 20, and 8 days later, all has been resolved. Quite impressive to say the least.

Exceptional service and peace of mind!

I can’t say enough good things about Square One. From the moment I signed up, their team was incredibly helpful, guiding me through the process with clear explanations and no pressure. The coverage options are flexible and affordable, perfectly tailored to my needs. Their customer service is top-notch, always friendly, and ready to answer any questions. I feel confident knowing I’m protected by a company that truly cares about its customers. I highly recommend Square One to anyone looking for reliable car insurance!

Excellent experience!

I've had a great experience with my insurance agent, Rebecca. The process was smooth from the very beginning — clear communication, quick responses, and genuinely helpful support. She made it easy to understand my coverage and always took the time to answer my questions without rushing. Reliable, trustworthy, and client-focused — I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for solid car insurance and great advice!

The best!

By far the best insurance provider I have dealt with. I am so glad to have found Square One and to be a client. Today, I dealt with Himalee Jayasooriya by telephone and she was so knowledgeable, pleasant, and helpful. This meant a lot to me being a senior, and she easily and quickly expedited all my car insurance needs. No nonsense, just great service and a great product.

Quick, clear and friendly service at an unbeatable price!

I completed the comprehensive online application for only home insurance as I do not drive. It took a while covering pretty much everything I could think of. The given price of the premium was almost unbelievable. So much so, that I felt I needed to follow up with a phone call. I spoke with a rep that was very knowledgeable, and helped me along with reasonable suggestions and provided recommendations, ensuring the apples to apples coverage. I was extremely pleased with the price of the premium that was a staggering $748 less than my current insurance provider! Thanks so much Square One!

The online purchasing insurance experience is thrilling!

I recently purchased condo insurance from Square One online, and the experience was fantastic. The process was straightforward, user-friendly, and incredibly efficient. The ability to customize my coverage and get everything done quickly without hassle was a big plus. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a smooth and transparent insurance buying experience!

Such an impressive service - with seamless technology!

This was the smoothest online buying experience I have ever had. Before Square One came to my attention, I suffered through a number of long-winded and frustrating review processes with other brand name insurers, only to be informed at the end of the process that they do not provide short-term renters insurance! Square One not only provides very cost-effective coverage, but the process was exceptionally painless. Highly recommended!

Friendly, affordable & seamless.

These guys are terrific! The entire online experience of purchasing was the easiest ever, and they blow the 'big guys' out of the water! The customer reps are exceptionally friendly, kind, and patient... I can't even begin to tell you. I also dealt with Rachel LaHay... she was outstanding and deserves a raise, recognition, and promotion. Not to mention, Square One is the cheapest quote I saw anywhere in Toronto. Thanks guys!

Who woulda thunk it?

This entire process was the most painless I've experienced while getting auto insurance. The two folks I spoke with, Eran and Stephanie were delightful and absolutely helpful. 10/10 would do it again.