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Free tool · Maryland homeowners

Is Your Basement Actually Covered?

Answer seven questions and see, line by line, which ways water can get into your basement are covered by your homeowners policy, which aren't, and what water backup limit to carry.

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Seven questions about your basement

Water gets into Montgomery County basements six different ways, and a standard homeowners policy pays for only one of them. Answer below and we'll show you where you're covered, where you're not, and what limit to carry.

Drywall, flooring, ceiling, built-ins, bathroom, bar, plus furniture, TVs, gym equipment, storage.
Look on your declarations page for "Water Backup", "Sewer/Drain Backup", "Backup of Sewers and Drains" or "Sump Overflow".
Takes about a minute. Nothing is sent until you ask for a quote.
Please note: results from this tool are general estimations only and should not be taken as official insurance advice or a coverage determination. Please consult directly with a licensed Terrapin agent at 240-243-0042 for a more official estimate for your situation.

Free quote request · No obligation

Want us to close these gaps?

Tell us where to reach you and we'll check your results against your actual declarations page, then quote the water backup and flood options that fit. No obligation.

We’ll review your results, compare your current coverage line by line, and quote the carriers that fit. Your information goes only to Terrapin Insurance Group, a licensed Maryland, DC and Virginia agency (MD #2073028).

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Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded basement?

Only for some causes. A burst pipe or appliance leak is covered by a standard policy. Sewer or drain backup and sump pump overflow need a water backup endorsement. Rain, creek rise, surface water and groundwater seepage are excluded entirely and need a separate flood policy (seepage is usually not covered at all).

How much water backup coverage do I need for a finished basement?

Enough to redo the finishes and replace what's down there. In Montgomery County a finished basement commonly carries $25,000 to $100,000 or more of drywall, flooring, built-ins and contents. Limits of $5,000 are rarely enough; $25,000 to $50,000 is a common fit.

Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?

Not by a standard homeowners policy. The sump overflow part of a water backup endorsement covers water that overflows the pit, including when the pump loses power. A battery backup pump is the best way to avoid the claim.

Does this tool send my answers anywhere?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing leaves the page unless you choose to request a quote, in which case your results are included so we can review them with you.

Keep going

Read the guide
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Basement Flooding? What Maryland Policies Actually Pay
The full article behind this tool, with FAQs.
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Tool results are general information from a licensed insurance agency and are not a quote, a coverage determination or legal advice. Policy wording and carrier decisions control. Terrapin Insurance Group LLC, MD License #2073028.

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