Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Standard home and condo policies exclude flooding from rising water, whether it’s a river overflowing or heavy rain that pools around your foundation.
Flood zones aren’t the full picture
Flood maps show areas with a higher chance of flooding, and lenders use them to decide when flood insurance is required. But water doesn’t follow map lines. Heavy rain, snowmelt, and overwhelmed drainage can flood homes outside high-risk zones too.
What flood insurance covers
- Building coverage for the structure, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, and built-in appliances.
- Contents coverage for your belongings.
Coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from private flood carriers, which sometimes offer higher limits or different terms.
Don’t wait for the forecast
NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, with some exceptions, such as when flood insurance is required at a mortgage closing. If a storm is already on the way, it’s usually too late.
Is it worth a quote?
If you live near a river, pond, or low-lying area, have a finished basement, or simply want peace of mind, it’s worth seeing the price. Outside high-risk zones, coverage is often more affordable than people expect.
Request a flood quote and we’ll compare NFIP and private options for you.