Flood Insurance vs. Water Backup Coverage: What Wisconsin Homeowners Need to Know

Water damage is one of the most common — and expensive — claims in Wisconsin. But here’s the catch: not all water damage is covered the same way.

Two of the most misunderstood protections are Flood Insurance and Water Backup Coverage. While they might sound similar, they apply to completely different situations — and your standard Wisconsin homeowners policy doesn’t automatically include either.

What’s the Difference?

In short:

• Flood Insurance = water from outside entering your home.

• Water Backup Coverage = water from inside your plumbing or drainage systems backing up into your home.

Flood Insurance in Wisconsin

Covered examples:

• River or lake overflow during spring thaw

• Heavy rains causing flash flooding

• Melting snow entering your basement

• Street flooding pushing water into your home

Not covered by standard homeowners insurance:

• Any flooding from outside sources (even if caused by a storm)

• Mudslides caused by heavy rain

• Damage to landscaping, decks, or fences from flooding unless specifically covered in the flood policy

How to get it:
Flood insurance must be purchased separately — usually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Water Backup Coverage in Wisconsin

Covered examples (with endorsement):

• Sump pump failure causing basement flooding

• Sewer line backup pushing water into your home

• Drain or toilet overflow due to a clog

Not covered by standard homeowners insurance:

• Water backup or sump pump overflow (unless you’ve purchased the endorsement)

• Gradual leaks or seepage from foundation cracks

• Repairs to the broken sewer line itself (coverage is for resulting damage, not the pipe repair unless you have service line coverage)

How to get it:
This is an add-on (endorsement) to your homeowners policy. You choose the coverage limit and deductible.

What IS Covered on a Standard Wisconsin Homeowners Policy

Your basic home insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage inside your home, such as:

• Burst pipes during winter

• Water damage from a broken water heater or appliance

• Water damage from fire sprinklers after a fire

What is NOT Covered on a Standard Wisconsin Homeowners Policy

Without special endorsements or separate policies, you typically won’t have coverage for:

• Flooding from outside sources (requires flood insurance)

• Sewer, drain, or sump pump backups (requires water backup coverage)

• Long-term leaks or seepage

• Maintenance issues, mold from neglect, or wear-and-tear

Bottom Line for Wisconsin Homeowners

Water can enter your home in many ways — and your homeowners policy treats each type differently. Flood Insurance protects against water coming from outside. Water Backup Coverage protects against water coming from inside your drainage or sewer systems. Without them, you could be left paying for costly repairs out of pocket.

📞 Let’s review your policy together so you can be confident your home, belongings, and wallet are fully protected — no matter where the water comes from.

Call the Bremberger Insurance Agency to review your coverages and make sure you are properly protected. 414-220-0400