How do septic tank and septic tank insurance work?

How do septic tanks and septic tank insurance work?

Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t typically help pay for septic system replacements. However, other coverage options may be available. In this article, we’ll explain how septic systems work and highlight the policy add-ons that may help protect yours.

How does a septic tank work?

Understanding how your septic system works can help you in dealing with problems. You can think of your septic system as a container for your home’s waste, known as effluent. Chemicals in the system help to neutralize the organic material, which then gets distributed into a drain or absorption field.

Here’s a highly simplified summary of the process:

• Your septic tank collects wastewater from your home’s various drains and then chemically treats it.
• Typically, solids sink to the bottom, while oils and grease rise to the top and break down over time.
• Treated septic wastewater is filtered and then released into the ground for further filtration.

Does standard homeowners insurance cover septic systems?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover repairs or replacements for septic tanks. However, water backup and sump pump failure coverage may help cover water damages caused by unexpected issues related to septic systems. This policy add-on also serves as septic tank insurance, which means more protection for your home and belongings.

Service line coverage may also apply to covered events related to your septic system.* After all, septic lines and sewer pipes are examples of service lines. They’ll have much more protection with this add-on. 

Am I eligible for septic tank insurance?

Eligibility for this added coverage is based on several important factors:

• Your home’s flood risk score. If your home is located outside of a flood plain, you may be able to get septic tank insurance. Even with a low score, flood insurance can be a smart investment.
• Installation of systems to reduce backflow. The installation of sump pump backup battery systems, backup generators, check valves and other backflow prevention measures can help you qualify.
• Active efforts to remedy known backflow issues. If you’ve filed claims in the past, make an effort to prevent backflow problems from happening again. Otherwise, you may not be able to qualify.
• Number of homeowners claims. A high number of claims made on your home’s insurance policies can sometimes prevent you from qualifying for this additional coverage.

When am I covered vs. not covered with service line coverage?*

You may file a claim for service line coverage when the cause of the damage is an unexpected event beyond your control. Examples of potentially covered events include wear and tear, corrosion, freeze and mechanical breakdown.

Pre-existing conditions may disqualify your septic lines from a claim. For example, a claim for freeze damage may be denied if the freezing only exacerbated damage that was already there. Also, service lines are only eligible under this policy if they are underground.

Protect your home from septic tank damages

American Family Insurance delivers customizable coverage to help protect you from unexpected losses. You can contact an insurance agent today to learn more about our septic tank insurance coverages.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

*Refer to your policy documents for coverage limit details. Coverage applies to covered losses only after a $500 deductible(s) has been met. Please speak with your agent to learn more about your coverage details and options.