Hurricane Katrina was a wake up call for homeowners who believed their property insurance also included coverage for floods. It doesn't.

And now people in the Northeast and other parts of the country susceptible to heavy rainfall or flash floods are learning that property insurance doesn't cover sewage backups. Claims from sewer backup can cost from $10,000 to $20,000 per incident. Yuk!

Only about 20% of homeowners have paid for this coverage. Most others have no idea it exists, and I must admit our insurance agent has never brought it up.

A rider is usually available for an extra $40 to $50 per year for $5,000 worth of coverage. Higher limits are available and some high-end homes have insurance policies that automatically have the coverage.

If this is the first time you've ever heard sewage backup and insurance in the same sentence, I urge you to call your agent and learn more.

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