You may think that you don’t need to worry about flooding but trust us, it’s more common than you think. There’s risk of overflowing toilets, broken pipes and natural disasters out there. Also, not many people know that policies can take as long as 30 days to go into effect. Don’t wait too long to get the insurance coverage you need. Get the basics about flood insurance below.
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can purchase separate policies to protect your property and your personal belongings.
The maximum coverage limit for your property is $250,000. This typically covers the physical structure of your home and its foundation, plumbing and electrical systems, central air and heating systems, attached bookcases, cabinets and paneling.
The maximum coverage limit for your personal items is $100,000. This typically covers your clothing, furniture and electronics, curtains, freezers and the food within them.
You can also purchase separate flood insurance from a private company if you want higher coverage limits or if your property and personal items are of high value.
What is not covered by flood insurance?
The following is typically not covered:
- Moisture or mold/mildew damage that “could have been avoided by the homeowner”
- Currency, precious metals, and paper valuables like stock certificates
- Outdoor property such as decks, fences, patios, landscaping, wells and septic systems, hot tubs and pools
- Living expenses, like temporary housing (if flood damage deems your home uninhabitable)
- Cars and other self-propelled vehicles
In addition, you will likely find that there is little to no coverage for below-ground rooms like crawl spaces and basements. Some items — like your personal belongings — may not be covered at all when they’re kept in these areas.
Lastly, not all flood insurance is subject to the 30-day wait period. Some polices can go into effect quickly depending on the circumstances and the carrier.
Request a free quote today and let us guide you to the right coverage for your property.
