Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded basement?

It depends on the source. Sudden water from a burst pipe is often handled differently from water backing up through a drain, which commonly needs a backup endorsement, or surface flooding, which commonly needs a separate flood policy. Your insurer decides how your policy applies.

What is sewer and drain backup coverage?

An endorsement that adds coverage for water backing up through sewers or drains, often with its own limit. Check your declarations page to see if you have it.

What to do after…

What to do after water damage or a flooded basement

Where the water came from matters for insurance: a burst pipe, a sewer or drain backup, and surface flooding are often treated very differently. Act fast to limit damage, and write down what happened.

Step by step

Safety first

Do not walk into standing water if outlets, cords, or appliances may be under water. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it safely.
Treat sewer backup water as contaminated: wear gloves and boots, and keep children and pets away.

Stop the water
Shut off the main water valve for a burst pipe or appliance leak. Know where your main shutoff is before you need it.
Photograph and video before cleanup
Record the water level, where it came from, damaged walls and floors, and belongings. Note the date and time, and keep a sample of damaged materials like carpet if you can.
Start drying within a day or two
Remove standing water, pull up wet rugs, run fans and dehumidifiers, and move belongings to a dry area. Mold can start within days, and policies often limit mold from delays.
Report it to your insurance company
Call your insurer's claims line, explain where the water came from, and ask whether to hire a water mitigation company. Keep every receipt.
Make a list of damaged items
List damaged belongings with descriptions, approximate age, and value. Do not throw anything away until your insurer says it is okay.

Photograph, write down, and keep

Your record

Where the water came from (pipe, appliance, drain, surface water)
Photos and video before cleanup
A list of damaged belongings
Receipts for fans, pumps, cleanup, and hotel stays

Common regrets to avoid

Waiting to dry things out while you sort out the claim
Throwing out damaged items before they are photographed
Assuming every kind of water is treated the same by your policy

Keep your claims numbers in one place

Save each policy in a free PolicyChecked account and print a one-page insurance summary with every insurer's claims phone and your policy numbers. Create a free account

Need a hand?

Claims are reported to and decided by your insurance company. If you are not sure who to call or what your policy says, a licensed agent can help you find out: (888) 509-8502.

Questions

Understand the policy side

Know what you're covered for before you need it.

Check your coverage free in about a minute, then talk with a licensed agent about anything you want to change or quote.

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