Most homeowners don’t think much about water damage—until they’re standing ankle-deep in it.
Whether it’s from a soaked carpet in the basement after a storm, a sump pump that couldn’t keep up or water pushing through the foundation, the damage can be serious—and expensive. And here’s a surprise for many: your standard homeowners policies often exclude these types of losses.
That’s where ERIE’s Extended Water coverage comes in.
This endorsement adds protection against water-related disasters that most typical homeowners insurance leaves out. And when you’re dealing with inches—or feet—of unwanted water, that extra layer of coverage can make all the difference.
What Does Extended Water Coverage Include?
Extended Water coverage[1] helps protect you from:
- Water or sewage backing up through sewers or drains (where available)
- Sump pump discharge or overflow (where available)
- Inland flooding and mudflow
Coverage, sublimits, deductibles and availability vary by state and by endorsement form. Your policy controls:
- Water backing up through drains or sewers
- Overflows from sump pumps or other systems designed to remove water
- Certain types of flood-related damage, including inland flooding
It’s not just about mopping up the mess. This coverage can also help pay for:
- Repairs to your home and personal belongings
- Additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate[2]
- Reimbursement for prevention efforts, such as sandbags or pumps, if you try to stop flooding before it happens[3]
Best of all, coverage may extend to parts of your home and certain other structures on your property and items stored in places like your basement (subject to limitations and conditions).
Real Homeowners. Real Experiences.
Samantha* bought her Pennsylvania home in 2022—right across the street from a designated flood zone. While her neighbors were required to have flood insurance, Samantha wasn’t.
Still, she reached out to her ERIE agent, who recommended Extended Water coverage. Adding it was quick and easy. Within a year, heavy rain caused a basement flood that damaged her carpet. She and her family tried to dry it themselves with industrial fans, which proved successful. Then it happened again—twice.
The third time, in April, she decided to file a claim.
“The process was so easy, I barely had to do anything,” Samantha recalls. “Jeremy (the adjuster) came out, looked at the damage and before I knew it, a check was on the way.”
Extended Water coverage replaced her carpet and turned what could have been a financial setback into a manageable situation.
‘I Don’t Live in a Flood Zone. Do I Still Need This?’
It’s a fair question. But here’s the truth: water doesn’t care about zone maps.
In fact, many water damage claims come from homes outside high-risk flood areas. Maybe the ground around your home doesn’t drain well. Maybe your neighborhood’s sewer system gets overwhelmed after heavy rain. Or maybe your basement is just vulnerable during spring thaws.
You don’t need to live near a river or lake to experience flooding. And without this coverage, you may end up paying out of pocket for damage your policy doesn’t cover.
Adding Extended Water Coverage Is Easy
Extended Water coverage can be added to your ErieSecure Home® policy—or as part of an ErieSecure Home® Plus or Select bundle.
Your local ERIE agent can walk you through the options to make sure your policy fits your home, your risk factors and your peace of mind.
Because while you can’t always predict when water will come, you can plan ahead for what will happen if it does.
*The customer’s last name has been withheld upon request. The customer’s experience is not a guarantee of future outcomes; claim decisions depend on the specific facts and your policy terms.