Yes, it’s probably a good idea to get water backup insurance as a renter. Standard renters insurance policies don’t cover water backup damage by default, but almost every company offers a water backup rider, which is an addition to your policy that expands your coverage to include drain and sewer backups and sump pump failures.
Because sewer backups are fairly common (and destructive) events, you should consider getting one, especially if you live in a single-family home with a basement and a sump pump.
How much coverage does a water backup rider provide?
Almost any water backup rider will cover water backup damage up to $2,000, but some insurers, such as Allstate, provide up to $10,000 in coverage. Adding a water backup rider to your policy is usually quite affordable, with an average cost of $15 to $30 per year.
