Hurricanes bring more rain and wind to people, which can lead to floods. However, many will be shocked that their homeowner’s insurance claims do not cover flood damage. Likewise, a renter or dwelling insurance policy won’t provide coverage for flood damage.
What Are My Options?
You should consider purchasing flood insurance to help protect your property and belongings in case of a flood. You can buy flood insurance coverage through licensed agents selling private flood insurance or the federally-managed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, we recommend first checking your eligibility for NFIP coverage. If your area is not qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program, you can consider buying private flood insurance.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance, which can be purchased through licensed insurance agents or NFIP, covers damage to the following:
- Appliances
- Water heater
- Personal belongings
- Debris removal
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Your home and its foundation
- HVAC systems like air conditioning and furnaces
Remember that water must cover more than 2 acres of land when flooding occurs, and damage must be sustained to many properties, including your home. Qualifying flood events include:
- Melting snow
- Failed levees and dams
- Mud that flows due to water
- Inadequate drainage systems
- Overflowing water like oceans, rivers, and lakes
- Extreme rainfall due to tropical storms and hurricanes