South Carolina Personal Lines Practice Exam

Is sewer backup included in flood insurance coverage?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in specific cases

4. Only for commercial properties

The correct answer is: No

Sewer backup is generally not included in standard flood insurance coverage provided under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance primarily covers damage caused by rising water and does not extend to damage caused by sewer backups, which typically occur as a result of heavy rainfall or flooding overwhelming sewage systems. Policyholders should be aware that while flood insurance helps cover specific flood-related damages, any damage from sewer backup requires separate coverage, usually through a homeowners insurance policy or an endorsement specifically for sewer and drain backup. This distinction is important, as many homeowners may assume that their flood insurance would cover all forms of water damage, but the reality is that different types of water damage have different coverage requirements. Thus, understanding the limits of coverage under flood insurance is crucial for homeowners in flood-prone areas.