What is Extended Water Coverage?
ERIE’s Extended Water coverage1 provides protection for your home in the event of a sewer or drain backup, or from flooding such as inland flooding, tidal water, storm surge or mudflow and mudslide. This endorsement can be added to your ErieSecure Home® policy (or bundle) and offers protection for your home, garage or other structures and personal property2— including that stuff you’ve stored in your basement. To avoid losing valuables, make sure you know what not to store in your basement, because there are some things even we can’t replace!
Floods are devastating, they can damage homes both above and below ground, as well as displace families for extended periods of time. Extended Water coverage is designed to help cover things like:
Basements and other roomsWater backups from sewers and drainsRepair and replacement costs for your home and personal property3Flood avoidance reimbursement (up to $10,000)4Temporary relocation costs, like a hotel or short-term rental5
But Why Do I Need Extended Water?
As we’ve mentioned, flooding can happen anywhere, to anyone. Yet your typical homeowners policy doesn’t cover it and only a staggering 4% of homeowners actually have flood coverage — as estimated by Milliman, an independent risk management, benefits and technology firm.
Sadly, many people assume since they aren’t in a high-risk area it’s not a needed coverage. But did you know that over 25% of flood claims come from individuals living outside high-risk zones? What’s even more earth shattering is just a single inch of water in a home is estimated to cost over $25,000 in repairs. Quite a hefty bill for such a small amount of water.
With the help of Harris Poll, ERIE conducted a national poll to see just how much water people thought was needed to necessitate replacing baseboards and drywall. In the poll, 53% of survey participants stated 5 inches or more would be needed. Sadly, the truth is only 3 inches of water can destroy baseboards and drywall. The cost flooding and other water damage brings to families can be a major financial strain that can hang over people for years. Our Extended Water coverage is here to ease uncertainties and ensure that in the event of a flood, we’ll be right there to get you back on your feet.
A Little Preparedness Goes a Long Way
Let’s say you live in a new development near a stream. After a few days of steady rain, you become concerned about the rising water and buy sandbags to place around the basement door. The stream floods the neighborhood and still makes its way into your home, despite your attempt to avoid it. Extended Water would provide coverage for the sandbags4 plus damage to your home and contents.3
If you’re expecting a large flood or storm to come through the area, we highly encourage you take some flood safety steps to help protect yourself and your family. As always, your safety is the top priority, and in the event of a flooding disaster, rest easy knowing we’ll be there. Ensure you protect your house — above and below ground — and make sure your coverage is up to date by reaching out to your local ERIE agent today!
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
