Standard Missouri home insurance doesn't cover damage from sewer backups or flooding. However, most insurers offer an optional add-on — commonly called a water backup endorsement, sewer backup insurance, or sump discharge and overflow coverage — to help pay for damage caused by backed-up sewers and drains or failed sump pumps.
Flooding is a different kind of water damage. It happens when water from outside the home, like storm surges, heavy rain, or an overflowing river, makes its way inside. A standard home policy won't cover this either. For that, homeowners need flood insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup in Missouri?
No, damage caused by a sewer backup is excluded from standard homeowners insurance coverage. To be covered, you’ll need a water backup endorsement — an optional addition to your insurance policy that expands coverage for specific risks not included in the standard policy.
Water backup coverage generally applies when damage is caused to the structure of the home or your personal belongings by:
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Drain backups
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Sump pump failures
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Clogged sewer lines
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Potentially septic system backups (not as common)
Coverage details vary depending on your insurance company and policy specifics, so it’s worth confirming with your insurer what is and is not covered.
What water backup coverage does not cover in Missouri
Damage from neglect or an unaddressed maintenance issue isn’t covered by a water backup endorsement.
Sewer lines also aren’t covered. A separate endorsement called service line coverage applies to repairing or replacing underground piping, like sewer, water, or utility lines running from your home to the street.
Does sewer backup insurance cover flooding in Missouri?
No, sewer backup insurance won’t cover flooding in Missouri — neither will a standard homeowners insurance policy. To be covered for flooding, you’ll need flood insurance.
Flood insurance covers damage caused by:
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Overflowing rivers, streams, and other bodies of water
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Heavy rainfall that pools over land before entering the home
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Storm surges
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Flash flooding
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Snowmelt that causes rising water
Note: No matter where you purchase coverage, it's important to buy it well before you need it. Flood policies typically come with a waiting period before coverage kicks in — it could be 10 days or less, but sometimes up to 30 days from the purchase date.
How to buy flood insurance
You can purchase flood insurance in one of three ways:
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Policy endorsement: Some insurers allow you to add a flood insurance endorsement to your existing homeowners policy.
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Private flood insurance: If your insurer doesn’t offer an endorsement, you can often purchase a standalone flood insurance policy through another insurer.
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): NFIP policies are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Coverage limits may be lower, but NFIP coverage is widely available, even in areas where private flood insurance is harder to find.
Pro tip: Every Missouri homeowner should consider flood insurance, even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone.
FEMA reports that almost 30% of NFIP flood claims come from properties outside high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The average flood claim payout in Missouri over the last 10 years is $34,000.
Sewer backup vs. flood insurance: What’s the difference
Although both involve water damage, sewer backup insurance and flood insurance protect against different damage-causing events, also known as perils. Here’s a breakdown of each coverage type:
|
Feature |
Sewer backup coverage |
Flood insurance |
|
What it typically covers |
Water backing up through drains, sewers, or sump pumps |
Rising surface water that enters the home from outside |
|
Common causes |
Sewer or drain blockages (including from aging pipes or tree roots) and sump pump failures |
Heavy rain, overflowing bodies of water, flash flooding |
|
Included in standard homeowners insurance? |
No |
No |
|
How to get coverage |
Endorsement added to homeowners insurance |
Endorsement added to homeowners insurance or separate policy from a private company or the NFIP |
|
Typical coverage limits |
$5,000–$10,000 or higher |
Varies by provider |
Depending on your home’s location and plumbing system, you may benefit from carrying both sewer backup coverage and flood insurance because each covers a different type of water damage.
What to do after a sewer backup
If sewage backs up into your home, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your property and support your insurance claim.
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Stop using water in your house. Don’t run sinks, flush toilets, use the washing machine, or perform similar tasks that use water, as this could make the issue worse.
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Turn off power. If water is backing up into an area with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off power to the affected area — only if you can safely access your home's electrical panel without walking through standing water. If it isn't safe to do so, contact your utility company or wait for emergency responders or a qualified electrician.
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Record damage. Take photos and videos to document the damage before beginning cleanup. You should also create a list of damaged items you can use when filing a claim.
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Contact your insurance. If you have coverage, contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
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Begin cleanup and repairs. Vacuum standing water, mop floors, use disinfectant, steam-clean, or otherwise clean up debris as soon as possible to prevent mold and further damage.
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Save receipts. Your insurer might reimburse you for emergency cleanup or temporary repairs made to prevent further damage.
Pro tip: Some Missouri sewer districts offer limited assistance programs for qualifying sewer backup events. For example, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) provides financial assistance for certain building backups caused by problems in the public sewer system. To be considered for assistance, property owners generally must meet the program's eligibility requirements and contact MSD within 30 days of the backup.
Check your local district’s guidelines, processes, and deadlines for more information.
How to protect your home from sewer backup and flooding
Consider these strategies to help prevent potential sewer backups or floods:
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Install a backwater or check valve to help prevent sewage from flowing back into your home
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Test and maintain your sump pump regularly
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Dispose of grease in the trash, not down the drain
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Don't flush wipes (even those labeled "flushable"), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other non-flushable items
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Install a battery backup for your sump pump in case of power outages
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Remove or manage tree roots that threaten your sewer line
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Replace damaged sewer lines with root-resistant materials, such as PVC, if recommended
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Keep gutters clear and direct downspouts away from your home’s foundation
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Review your insurance coverage annually to confirm your water backup limits are sufficient
Together, water damage and freezing are the second-most common cause of property loss, with an average claim payout of $15,400, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Preventative home maintenance can reduce the likelihood of expensive water damage repairs from causes like these.
Frequently asked questions
Does flood insurance cover sewer backup?
No. Flood insurance only covers damage from water outside your home that flows inside. To get sewer backup coverage, you can add an endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy. Sewer backup insurance will cover damage caused by issues such as a clogged sewer line, drain blockage, or sump pump malfunction.
How much does sewer backup insurance cost?
The cost of sewer backup insurance varies widely, depending on the insurer you choose and factors like your coverage limit, deductible, home’s age, claims history, ZIP code, and more. The best way to find out how much you might pay for sewer backup insurance is to get a personalized quote for a home policy with and without this coverage added.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage cleanup?
Homeowners insurance may cover sewage cleanup if you have a water backup endorsement in place at the time of loss. Otherwise, standard home policies typically exclude coverage for sewage-related damage and cleanup.
How much does flood insurance cost in Missouri?
The median cost of NFIP flood insurance in Missouri is $827 per year. Your rate will depend on factors like your flood zone, elevation, home characteristics, coverage amount, and deductible.
