What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is one of those things homeowners often overlook, until it's too late. Many people assume that their standard homeowners insurance will protect them in the event of a flood, but that’s not the case. In fact, most homeowners policies specifically exclude flood damage, which can leave you vulnerable if the unexpected happens.

So, what exactly is flood insurance? Simply put, flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damage caused by rising water. That includes events like heavy rain, storm surges, blocked drainage systems, snowmelt, or overflowing rivers and lakes. If water enters your home from the ground up—rather than, say, a burst pipe—that’s generally considered a flood. And unless you have a flood insurance policy in place, you’ll be paying for repairs and replacements out of pocket.

Flood insurance typically comes in two parts: building coverage and contents coverage. Building coverage protects the structure of your home, things like the foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, appliances, and permanently installed carpeting or cabinets. Contents coverage, on the other hand, covers your personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, and electronics. Both are important, and you can usually customize your policy depending on your needs and budget.

Another common misconception is that flood insurance is only for people who live in high-risk flood zones. While it’s true that lenders may require it in those areas, flooding can happen anywhere. In fact, over 25% of flood insurance claims come from homes in low- or moderate-risk zones. With extreme weather events on the rise, protecting your home with flood insurance is a smart move no matter where you live.

Policies are often available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but private market options also exist and may offer more flexibility or higher coverage limits.

The bottom line? Don’t wait until your living room turns into a wading pool to think about flood coverage. If you're unsure about your current insurance or want to know what options are available, speak with one of our licensed insurance agents who can help you navigate the right policy for your home.