Overland Flood vs Sewer Backup Insurance in Alberta
Last updated
Standard Canadian home insurance doesn’t cover overland flooding or sewer backup. Each is a separate add-on you have to buy. If your basement floods in a storm, which add-ons you have decides what your insurer pays for.
This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Your policy wording decides your coverage.
The two kinds of flood coverage
Overland flood covers water that enters your home from outside. Think surface water and rain runoff pouring in through windows, doors or the walls.
Sewer backup covers water that comes up through your own drains, like the basement floor drain, a toilet or a shower.
They’re covered by different add-ons, and a standard policy includes neither.
What standard policies usually do cover
Sudden water from inside the house, like a burst pipe, is typically covered by standard home policies. There can be limits if the home was left unattended in winter, so read that part of your policy before you travel.
How to tell which one you had
Look at where the water came in:
| What you saw | Usually treated as |
|---|---|
| Water through windows, window wells, doors or walls during rain | Overland flood |
| Water rising up the floor drain, toilet or shower | Sewer backup |
| Water from a broken pipe or appliance | Sudden water damage (standard policy) |
| Water seeping through a foundation crack | Ask your broker |
In a big storm you can get more than one at once. Take photos showing where the water entered. They help your adjuster.
How to check your policy
- Find your policy declarations page, the summary at the front.
- Look for coverages named “sewer backup” and “overland water” or “flood”. Note the limit for each.
- Check the deductible for water damage. It may differ from your main deductible.
- Read the conditions, especially any about leaving the home unattended in winter and any about backwater valves.
What to ask your broker
- Do I have sewer backup coverage? What’s the limit?
- Do I have overland flood coverage? What’s the limit?
- What’s my water damage deductible?
- Do I need a backwater valve for my sewer backup coverage?
- If I install a backwater valve, can I get better coverage or pricing?
Lower your risk
The City of Edmonton notes that backwater valves largely prevent sewer backup. EPCOR and Strathcona County both help pay for them. See our backwater valve subsidy guide.
If water is in your home now, read what to do in the first 24 hours and call us. We document the damage the way adjusters need it. See insurance claim help.