How to Tell if Your Home Insurance Covers Well Pumps

Some homeowners insurance policies will cover wells, while others won’t.
Written by Melanie Krieps Mergen
Edited by Pat Roache
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Some well pumps will be covered by
homeowners insurance
, while others won't be. It all depends on the reason your well pump stopped working.
  • Your home insurance will likely cover your well pump if it breaks down due to a covered peril, such as lightning, fire, or a windstorm.
  • If your well pump stopped working due to neglect or wear and tear, you likely won’t see coverage from a home insurance policy.
  • In addition to home insurance, warranties, and service contracts are additional options that could provide extra protection for a well pump
MORE: How to compare home insurance quotes

Are well pumps covered under homeowners insurance?

Yes: Your homeowners policy will cover your well pump if it breaks down due to one of the perils listed on your home insurance coverage inclusions, such as being hit by lightning, fire, or a windstorm. You’ll be responsible for the deductible, and your home insurance will take care of the rest.
Pro tip: Ask your insurance agent about equipment breakdown coverage to fully cover your home’s equipment. Besides covering a well pump, equipment breakdown coverage also pays for the replacement or repair of:
  • Backup generators
  • Central AC systems
  • Central vacuums
  • Electric power panels
  • Elevators and chair lifts
  • Fans and other ventilation equipment
  • Heaters, including furnaces, heat pumps, heaters, and solar heaters
  • Spa and pool equipment
  • Water heaters and boilers
Keep in mind: Equipment breakdown coverage does not pay for the following items associated with household equipment malfunctions:
  • Support structures, including compartments or cabinets
  • Any material used to insulate the equipment
  • Water piping not associated with a boiler or AC system
Key Takeaway: Including equipment breakdown coverage in your home insurance policy will reduce the cost of out-of-pocket repairs to your well pump.

When does a home insurance policy not cover a well pump?

Just like the rest of your home, a basic home insurance policy does not cover all perils. 
Some of the more common situations not covered by your homeowners insurance that can damage a well pump include:
  • Earthquake or ground movement: An earthquake or other ground movement taking your well pump out of commission is not covered by your homeowners policy. In a case like this, you would have to pay for someone to dig a new well out of your own pocket.
  • Neglect: Failing to take care of your equipment is another reason why a homeowners policy might not cover a well pump. This includes failing to perform proper maintenance on the equipment at the required intervals.
  • Wear and tear: Another condition that homeowners insurance does not cover includes normal wear and tear. This includes both individual parts and the well itself.
When in doubt: Check your policy details or ask your insurance agent to confirm whether your current coverage offers the level of protection you’re looking for.

Other methods to cover a well pump

In addition to homeowners insurance, you can also acquire a few other policies to cover the equipment in and around your home. Some of the policies useful to homeowners when repairing or replacing broken or faulty equipment include:
  • Well pump warranty: In addition to home insurance coverage, check the well pump’s existing manufacturer’s warranty—you may find additional protection there!
  • Home warranty: More expensive than a standard home insurance policy, a
    home warranty
    should cover the replacement of certain parts. However, it does not cover all the parts and generally does not pay to fix a breakdown caused by an error in the installation or not performing proper maintenance. Check to see if the home warranties available to you cover well pumps.
  • Service contracts: Many companies that sell home equipment also offer service contracts. With a service contract, the company takes care of the maintenance and servicing of equipment over a certain amount of time.
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FAQs

The cost of a well pump ranges from $800 to $2,000, though it depends on the size and depth of your well pump. If you don't need a full replacement, a repair may cost as little as $750.
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