Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Septic Tanks?

Homeowners insurance can offer critical financial protection for a property. Often, these policies provide coverage for the dwelling structure as well as detached structures, including septic tanks. However, while a septic system may be covered generally, homeowners insurance doesn’t protect you from everything.

How Does Home Insurance Protect Septic Tanks?

A home insurance policy’s “other structures” portion may apply to septic tanks. If a covered peril occurs and impacts your tank, your policy may financially cover the situation.

Homeowners insurance may help pay for sudden damage to covered property. This can include several scenarios, including the following:

• Fire

• Vandalism

• Lightning

• Explosions

• Burst pipes

• Falling objects

If a sudden event damages your septic tank, your policy may cover the costs. That said, it’s crucial to review your policy’s terms to understand exactly what’s included and what’s excluded.

What Are Common Policy Exclusions?

Again, homeowners insurance doesn’t protect from all possible perils. Most home policies either specifically list what they’ll pay for (i.e., leaving other scenarios uncovered) or explicitly state what perils are excluded.

When it comes to septic tanks, numerous forms of damage are commonly excluded from home insurance policies, including the following:

• Intentional damage

• Neglect (e.g., insufficient maintenance)

• Negligence (e.g., flushing nonbiodegradable products, solids or oils)

• Age or normal wear and tear

• Improper drainage

• Tree root penetration

• Floods or earthquakes

Taking proactive steps to protect your septic tank, such as annual inspections and pumping, can help mitigate potential damage before it’s too late.

Are There Additional Coverage Options Available?

A home policy’s other structures component often pays a percentage of the total policy’s limits. This means it can be beneficial to secure higher limits or additional coverage.

Some insurers may offer specific coverage related to septic systems, which can expand the types of perils covered and increase limits. Likewise, it may make sense to retain coverage specific to these disasters in flood- or earthquake-prone areas.

Kris D Rogers & Associates can help review your home insurance policy and discuss additional options to help ensure your septic tank is financially protected from a wide range of scenarios. Contact us today to start a conversation with no obligation.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.