Two common and expensive home losses are routinely excluded from a standard homeowners policy, and both are easy to add back with inexpensive endorsements. Many homeowners only discover the gap after the damage is done.
Water backup coverage
A standard policy generally excludes damage from water that backs up through sewers or drains, or that overflows from a sump pump. When a sewer line backs up into a finished basement, the cleanup and repairs can run into the tens of thousands — and without the endorsement, none of it is covered.
- Covers damage from backed-up sewers, clogged drains, and sump-pump overflow or failure
- Added by endorsement, usually with its own limit you select
- Especially important for homes with finished basements or below-grade living space
Service line coverage
Homeowners are typically responsible for the buried utility lines running from the street or property line to the house — water, sewer, electrical, gas, and data lines. If one fails, the homeowner pays to dig up and repair it. A standard policy doesn't cover this.
- Covers the cost to excavate and repair or replace damaged underground service lines
- Often includes related costs like restoring landscaping and pavement disturbed by the dig
The takeaway
Both endorsements cost relatively little per year and close gaps that produce large, common claims. They're easy wins to offer at every home review.
Educational only — confirm against the actual policy and your carrier's guidelines.