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Insurance coverage Q&A: Backups, overflows, sewers and drains

Review the difference between an overflow and backup and how they influence water damage claims in Louisiana.

By Christine G. Barlow, CPCU | March 31, 2023 at 12:29 AM
The issue of water backup and overflow is quite complicated. A lot depends on the particulars of the given situation since the policy language is particular about where exactly the water is coming from. (Credit: Leonard/Adobe Stock) The issue of water backup and overflow is quite complicated. A lot depends on the particulars of the given situation since the policy language is particular about where exactly the water is coming from. (Credit: Leonard/Adobe Stock)

We are starting to see an influx of claims where the loss report states the plumbing backed up into the sinks, showers, and/or toilets. Some of these claims have ensuing water damage to the immediate areas (drywall, flooring, etc.) and some with no ensuing loss at all. With or without ensuing loss, coverage remains in question under the DWG and HO policies based on the exclusion and anti-concurrent causation language. Thus, it is very important to ensure we are operating on the proper definition of “backup” and “overflow.”

The DWG-E100 (Louisiana Amendatory Endorsement) does not change exclusion A.3 in either policy.

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