So many people still ask what the difference is between these two coverages, despite the fact that they have both been around for about two years now. So whats the scoop? What does sewer backup cover you for that water protection does not, and vice versa? There are some technicalities involved which come in to play with both coverages, and those require an in depth look at your specific policy to know exactly where coverage begins and ends, but for now we will take a high-level approach to these coverage and define the general features of each.
Sewer Back-up
This coverage cones into play when there is a backup of a sewage system from a building or residence. Any time that there is raw sewage involved with a claim, this coverage will be called into action to settle the claim. This coverage will always show a stated limit of coverage on the policy pages so that you know exactly how much coverage you have purchased for these losses. If there is a claim involving water that does not originate from a septic system or sewer line, that claim would be covered somewhere else.
Water Protection
This coverage comes into action if there is a sudden and accidental event where water damage is evident. Things like storm water entering through a window or basement wall would be covered here. Just like sewer back-up, there will be a stated limit of coverage printed on your policy pages that will let you know how much coverage you have purchased.
Combined Events
Sometimes, there are instances where both coverages will be called into action. In the event of a rain storm, any water damage that occurs as a result of a backed up sewage system would be covered under sewer back-up. Any damage that occurs due to water entering through a wall, window or floor would be covered under the water protection coverage. Insurance adjusters will look at the damage in the home to assess the source of the water damage, then make the appropriate decision based on those results on where the coverage will come from. Should both coverages be called into action, there will only be one deductible to pay as the loss originated from one single event.
This information is very generalized, but gives a quick overview of both the coverages should you be questioning how a loss will be paid. As mentioned above, there are more specific items to be noted depending on what insurance company your policy is written with, so be sure to ask your broker for specifics should you need those questions answered.
If disaster strikes and water damage occurs, call your broker to have a claim set up. Be sure to have photos of the damage ready, and to do what you can to mitigate the damage as much as possible while you wait for the adjuster to arrive. From there, a plan will be made once the damage is assessed, and the adjuster will begin working with you to repair the damage done.