Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage

Written by admin on October 17, 2022 at 5:33 PM.

Coming off the back of a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Ian, the storm surge and heavy rains left many homes devastated. This has left many wondering if their homeowners insurance covers flood damage. Unfortunately for many, the simple answer is “No”. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Damage caused by flooding — which FEMA defines as “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties” — is not covered by standard home insurance policies.

In this article we will discuss flood coverage insurance policies and how you can get them.

Water Damage Covered in Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies

You may be wondering, “what kind of water damage is covered in homeowners insurance policies?” Standard home insurance policies typically cover a variety of water damage . 

The types of water damage that are covered by your home insurance will depend largely on which form you have from your insurance company.Policies come in different form types, and most policies are HO-3 or HO-5 policies.

• HO-3 policies, your dwelling is covered for “named perils,” which means only the specific causes of loss listed in the policy language are covered. These homeowners policies cover water damage from windstorms, freezing and broken pipes, roof leaks, hail damage, and snow, as well as the occasional accidental overflow from household systems such as washing machines or bathroom sinks. 
• HO-5 policies offer personal property coverages for “open perils,” which is anything not specifically excluded. Flood Damage, unfortunately, is a very common exclusion in standard policies with private insurance companies. 

There are some other types of water damage such as sewer backups that are not typically covered by homeowners insurance that can be added as endorsements, as well. 

How Can I Get Flood Damage Insurance?

Flood policies can be purchased just like any other form of standard insurance policy. While not every home insurance company offers flood insurance, many do. Until recently flood insurance was only available through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is backed by the Federal government, this is no longer the case.

Many insurance carriers offer their own privately underwritten flood insurance, or even a flood insurance endorsement for your home policy, and many others can facilitate the purchase of an National Flood Insurance Program policy.

Talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance policies and your coverage needs. There are two common types of flood insurance coverage, dwelling and personal property:

• Dwelling insurance covers building property
• Personal Property insurance covers your belongings. 

Here’s where it gets a little complicated. You can buy dwelling insurance and a separate flood insurance policy for personal property, but you cannot purchase personal property insurance on its own without dwelling insurance. 

Does Flood Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage? 

It’s important to note, Most flood policies come with a 30-day waiting period, which means your coverage won’t be effective until 30 days after you make the first payment. Try to avoid waiting for a major storm or natural disaster to make your flood insurance policy purchase. Especially if you live in a high-risk area for risk of flooding. You can typically find private insurance companies that will provide underwritten plans backed by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The flooding associated with hurricanes and storm surges is typically a covered risk in flood insurance plans, however. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

It’s best to shop around for Flood Insurance quotes, as you might be able to get coverage at lower cost. Average Cost will vary depending on type of coverage and whether or not you are in a flood risk zone. While National Flood Insurance Program policies cost the same no matter what company is facilitating the sale, private flood insurance rates vary and you might be able to find a cheaper policy.

Get Help With Your Flood Insurance Claims From Stellar Public Adjusting

Now that you know the answer to “does homeowners insurance cover flood damage“, you should always be prepared for the worst. Make sure your flood damage claims are taken care of with a public adjuster. 

Stellar Public Adjusting will protect you and your interests in claims against a loss with the insurance company to make sure you get what you are owed. 

Contact us today if you have been affected by Hurricane Ian and the dangerous flooding that came along with it. Call our office at (888) 987-8355, Stellar Adjusting is open 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week. You can also reach us by Email at: hurricane@stellaradjusting.com.