Last reviewed: 3 October 2026
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What homeowners insurance usually does not cover: flood, earthquake, sewer backup and wear
The short answer: the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says most home policies do not cover flooding, earthquakes or earth movement, wear and tear, or a continuous water leak. Some of these can be added or bought separately.[1] TDI's guide is for Texas. Policy wording and rules differ by state and by company.
The short version
- TDI: "Coverages vary by company. Read your policy or talk to your agent to be sure of your exact coverages."[1]
- TDI says most home policies do not cover damage caused by floods.[1] FloodSmart says only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.[2]
- TDI lists endorsements, which are policy add-ons, that can add coverage for sewer or drain backup, foundations or slabs, earthquakes, mold removal and other items.[1]
What TDI says most policies do not cover
| Item TDI lists | What TDI says |
|---|---|
| Flooding | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover.[1] |
| Earthquakes or earth movement | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover. TDI also lists earthquake damage as a common endorsement.[1] |
| A continuous water leak | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover. TDI says policies also will not cover mold removal, except to repair damage caused by a covered risk.[1] |
| Wear and tear | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover.[1] |
| Termites, insects, rats or mice | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover.[1] |
| A vacant house | Losses that occur if your house is vacant for the number of days specified by your policy.[1] |
| Wind or hail to trees and shrubs | Listed among the damages most policies do not cover.[1] |
TDI also lists what most policies do cover, including fire and lightning, theft, vandalism, explosion, and sudden and accidental release of water or smoke.[1] The lists are common patterns, not a guarantee about your policy.
Flood
- FloodSmart says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.[2]
- TDI says you can talk to your home insurance agent about a flood policy from your insurance company or from the National Flood Insurance Program.[1]
- TDI says that if your home is in a designated flood zone, your lender requires you to have flood insurance.[1]
- TDI also says floods can happen anywhere.[1]
For how flood zones and maps work, see our guide to checking your flood risk and zone.
Sewer backup
- TDI lists "backup of sewers or drains" as a common endorsement, which is a policy add-on.[1]
- FloodSmart says damage caused by a sewer backup is covered by its flood insurance if the backup is a direct result of flooding.[2]
These are two different routes: a policy add-on for sewer or drain backup, and flood insurance for backup caused by flooding. Ask your agent which would apply to a particular event, because wording differs by policy.
Earthquake
TDI lists earthquakes or earth movement among the damages most policies do not cover.[1] It lists "damage from earthquakes" among common endorsements.[1]
Other add-ons TDI lists
- Coverage for jewelry, fine arts or electronics, because the policy provides some coverage but it might not be enough.[1]
- Extra construction or repair costs to meet local building codes.[1]
- Mold removal.[1]
For Texas coast and Galveston Bay residents, TDI says a home policy might not cover wind and hail damage, and that the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association sells that coverage.[1]
How to verify this yourself
Open your policy and read its exclusions and endorsements sections. Compare them with the lists above. TDI's guide and FloodSmart are linked below. To check the person who sold you the policy, see our guide to checking an agent's license.
What this page does not cover
TDI's guide describes Texas. We did not read other states' guidance, so what policies in your state exclude, and which add-ons exist, can differ. We read FloodSmart only on flood. We do not cover earthquake policies, difference-in-conditions coverage, claims, or how much to buy. This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. For your own policy, ask your agent or insurer, or contact your state insurance regulator.
Your next step
Read your policy's exclusions and write down which of flood, earthquake, sewer or drain backup and mold it excludes. Then ask your agent in writing which can be added and which need a separate policy.
Related checks
Our standard explains how we check an agent's license and disciplinary history. Check an agent reports our findings at category level, as a method and not a verdict. Neither reviews any insurer, plan or product. To confirm the person selling you coverage is licensed, see how to check an agent's license. More plain-language guides are in the agent guides.
When we will update this page
We re-read the sources when they change. If something here is out of date, tell us. Corrections are dated on the page.
References
- [1] Texas Department of Insurance, "Home insurance guide" (consumer bulletin), read 3 October 2026 — tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb025.html
- [2] FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (FloodSmart), home page, read 3 October 2026 — floodsmart.gov
What you can do next
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- See how we check — the rules and sources behind each result
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