Will homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?

Do not assume a standard homeowners policy includes sewer-backup damage. Coverage often requires a water or sewer backup endorsement purchased before the loss. Read your policy's covered causes, exclusions, limits and deductible, and ask the insurer whether cleanup, damaged belongings and any temporary living expenses are covered in your situation. Coverage for resulting water damage may not pay to repair the failed sewer pipe itself. Flood insurance and service-line coverage address different risks and are not substitutes for checking the actual wording. Report the incident promptly and keep photographs, invoices and the plumber's findings without entering an unsafe area.