What Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover
Flood, earthquake, wear and tear, and sewer backup are common gaps in a standard homeowners policy. What's excluded and how to fill the gaps.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Key takeaways
- Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
- Earthquake, landslide and sinkhole damage usually need separate coverage or an endorsement.
- Wear and tear, maintenance problems and pests aren't covered.
- Sewer and drain backup and many mold losses require an endorsement.
Flood
Flood is the most important exclusion to know about. Standard homeowners policies don't cover damage from rising water, including hurricane storm surge. Flood insurance is sold separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers.
- NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buy before you need it. The wait doesn't apply when you buy flood insurance as part of getting or changing a mortgage.
- NFIP coverage for a home tops out at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. Renters can buy up to $100,000 of contents coverage.
- From 2013 to 2023, about one-third of NFIP claims came from outside high-risk flood zones, according to FEMA.
Read more in our guide to water damage vs. flood.
Earthquakes and earth movement
Earthquakes, landslides, mudslides and sinkholes are usually excluded. Earthquake coverage is available as a separate policy or an endorsement, and it's worth considering in seismically active areas.
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Wear and tear, maintenance and pests
Insurance pays for sudden, accidental damage, not things that wear out over time. Old roofs, failing pipes, rot, rust and damage from termites or rodents generally aren't covered. Keeping your home maintained helps prevent problems and protects your claims.
Sewer backup and mold
Water backing up through drains or a failed sump pump isn't covered by a standard policy, but you can usually add a sewer and drain backup endorsement for a modest cost. Mold coverage is often limited or excluded unless it results from a covered water loss.
Other common exclusions
- War and nuclear accidents
- Intentional damage
- Business activities at home, which may need a home business endorsement
- High-value items like jewelry, art and collectibles above the policy's sub-limits, which may need scheduled coverage
How to fill the gaps
- Read the exclusions section of your policy.
- Check your flood risk at FEMA's flood map service center, and get a flood quote even if you're outside a high-risk zone.
- Ask about sewer backup, earthquake and scheduled personal property coverage.
- Compare quotes with the same add-ons from several insurers.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from a hurricane?
Wind damage is usually covered, but storm surge and rising water are flood, which needs a separate flood policy.
Is a burst pipe covered?
Sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe is usually covered. Damage from a slow leak or lack of maintenance usually isn't.
How long does flood insurance take to start?
NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, with exceptions such as buying coverage when you get a mortgage.
Sources
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.