Does a standard Homeowners Policy cover water damage from a sewer backup?

A standard Homeowners Policy typically does not cover water damage resulting from a sewer backup unless a specific endorsement is added to the policy. This endorsement, often called "Sewer Backup Coverage," provides additional protection for losses caused when water backs up into the home from a sewer or drain.

In standard homeowners policies, while water damage from other sources, such as burst pipes or overflowing appliances, might be covered under certain conditions, the exclusion for sewer backup is standard because it involves different considerations of risk and liability. Therefore, homeowners who wish to protect against this type of damage must specifically request and purchase the endorsement to have coverage. This distinction is crucial for homeowners to understand to ensure they have adequate protection against potential losses related to sewer issues.