Does the national flood insurance policy cover water damage from a sewer?

The correct response indicates that the national flood insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage that originates from a sewer backup. This policy specifically addresses rising water, such as that from lakes, rivers, or ocean surges, and is fundamentally designed to manage losses due to natural flood conditions. However, sewer backups are considered a different risk and are typically classified under a separate category of water damage, often requiring different types of coverage.

Many homeowners might assume that all types of water damage fall under flood insurance, but the nuances of policy definitions clarify that waterways that back up through sewers or drains are generally excluded. To insure against this type of damage, homeowners usually need to obtain additional coverage, often through a standard homeowners insurance policy, or by adding a specific endorsement that addresses sewer backup issues. This distinction is critical for homeowners to understand so that they can adequately protect their properties against various types of water damage.