If I were facing the prospect of $2,000 for a backup sump pump, I’d seriously consider a propane or natural gas-powered, whole-house generator that would kick on when the power goes off.

No power meant no water for thousands of people who have wells. It also meant no sump pumps.

For homes with sump pumps, some insurers may offer discounts. In one case, a Top 5 insurance company doesn’t provide discounts for the presence of a sump pump itself, but they do if there is a ...