Use private insurance first
Ohio law requires you to collect first from your homeowner or renter insurance. If you have homeowner or renter insurance coverage that applies to sewer backups, you should contact your insurance company immediately to report the incident and get instructions for filing a claim. If you are not sure whether you have this coverage, please contact your insurance agent.
If you need supporting information from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) to file with your insurance claim, such as copies of photos or lists of your damaged property, you can obtain them by calling the MSD Claims Assistance Desk at (513) 771-5246.
Filing a claim with the City of Cincinnati
If you believe that you have suffered damage to your home or belongings because of a sewer backup in your home caused by a problem with the public sewer system operated by MSD, you may file a claim with the City of Cincinnati. Please be advised that your claim must be received by MSD no later than two years after the date of your SBU. The City of Cincinnati Law Department manages SBU claims for MSD.
Please note that not all sewer backups are eligible for reimbursement. The City will review your claim and any action by your private insurance carrier, and then will contact you with its determination. Sewer backup claims filed with the City are generally resolved within 60 days.
Download the MSD Claim Form
If you need help with the claim form, call the MSD Claims Assistance Desk at (513) 771-5246.
You can also call 513-244-5100 any time to check on the status of your claim.
If you are not satisfied with the decision on your claim, you can call the SBU Ombudsman with the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati at (513) 362-2801.