Here’s a breakdown of what Extended Water Coverage is (and isn’t), as offered by Erie Insurance — and what to watch out for. (As always: the exact details depend on your specific policy, state, and endorsements.)
What is “Extended Water Coverage”?
- Extended Water is an endorsement (an add‑on) to Erie’s homeowners insurance (e.g. ErieSecure® Home or related bundles) that provides additional protection for water events that typically aren’t covered under a standard homeowners policy.
- It combines protection for flooding (from storms, inland water, storm surge, etc.) and sewer or drain backup events.
- It covers direct physical loss to your home, additional structures, and personal property from these covered water events — including things stored in basements.
- It may also include additional living expense coverage (if you must temporarily relocate while repairs are being made) and flood avoidance reimbursement (i.e. costs you incur proactively to reduce flood damage).
What Types of Water Events Are Covered
Here are examples of water events that Extended Water may cover (again, subject to your policy terms):
| Water Event | Description / What’s Covered |
| Flooding / Inland / Storm Surge / Mudflow / Tidal Water | Water intrusion from natural sources like rain, snow melt, storm surge, overflowing rivers/streams, or mudflow. |
| Sewer or Drain Backup | Water that backs up into your home from drains, sewers, or a malfunctioning sump pump (in states where allowed). |
| Flood Avoidance Measures | In some cases, Erie reimburses for preventive steps you take (e.g. sandbags, barriers) up to a limit (often $10,000) to help protect your home ahead of flooding. |
What It Doesn’t Cover / Important Limitations & Exclusions
There are several important limitations, exclusions, or caveats to know:
- Not a substitute for mandatory flood insurance
If your mortgage or lender requires you to carry flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or other flood policy, this endorsement may not satisfy that requirement. Erie clarifies it is not affiliated with the NFIP. - States / Availability
Extended Water is not available in all states. - Certain exclusions (wear and tear, gradual damage, foundation leaks, etc.)
- Damage due to leaks, seepage, or gradual water intrusion (e.g. a wet foundation over time) generally is not covered.
- Normal maintenance issues or deterioration-related problems are usually excluded.
- If damage originates from excluded causes or is otherwise disallowed under your base policy, Extended Water may also not cover it.
- Limits, sub‑limits, and duration limits
- The endorsement will usually have limits or sublimits (for example, how much it will pay for flood avoidance, or for contents in the basement).
- Additional living expense (ALE) coverage is subject to duration limits and conditions — i.e. Erie may pay only for some time while your home is being restored, not indefinitely.
Why Erie Added It / Why It Might Matter to You
- Many homeowners assume their standard policy covers flooding, but floods are often excluded in typical homeowners policies.
- Flood damage is among the most expensive kinds of losses, and even homes outside so-called “flood zones” can suffer damage.
- Erie created Extended Water to help fill that “blind spot” — offering disaster protection for a broader set of water-related risks.