Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood?

Water damage from flooding can be a major headache for homeowners, causing costly repairs and long-term issues. From burst pipes to roof leaks and heavy rain, water can find its way into your home in many ways. But does homeowners insurance cover water damage? The answer depends on the source of the damage. While standard homeowners insurance may cover some types of water damage, it usually does not cover flooding. That’s why understanding your policy—and whether you need flood insurance—is key to protecting your home.

Homeowners Insurance: What's Covered?

Homeowners insurance can help protect your home from many risks, like fire, theft, and certain types of water damage. Your policy may cover repairs for a burst pipe or a roof leak caused by heavy snow, but unfortunately, not all water damage is covered. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from floods or hurricanes. To protect your property against these events, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. Be sure to review your homeowners policy so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

What is Covered with Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance policies can provide coverage for flood damage to both your dwelling (the structure of your home) and your personal property or contents. Dwelling coverage pays to repair damages to a building’s critical elements, such as walls, floors, foundation, and electrical system, while contents coverage can cover items such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. Please be sure to read your policy carefully so you understand what is covered and choose the option that best suits your needs. In addition, flood policies usually cover the following (depending on coverages selected) up to the specified coverage limits:

• HVAC systems (heating or air conditioning)

• Carpet and flooring

• Cabinets

• Electrical and plumbing

• Appliances

• Clothing

Policies may also help pay for debris removal and certain repairs to prevent further property damage.

Policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) often have limits, like excluding coverage for finished basements and capping personal property claims. Many private flood policies cover more, including temporary living costs and basement belongings. With higher limits available, often at a lower price, a private flood policy is often a better option. Understanding these specifics can help homeowners ensure they have adequate flood protection.

Do You Need a Separate Flood Insurance Policy?

Flood insurance covers damage from floods, which standard homeowners insurance doesn't include. You can get flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurance companies. At FloodPrice.com, we offer both types of policies, so let us do the shopping for you! We can help you compare prices and coverage to find the right policy for your home. Get a quote online.

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance: Which Is Right for You?

When considering whether to purchase coverage through the NFIP or a private insurance carrier, here's a simple comparison to help you decide which type of policy best suits your needs:

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance: A Quick Comparison

Let's Compare:	Private Residential Policy	NFIP Residential Policy
Compliant with State Insurance Laws	Yes	No
Maximum Building Coverage Amount	$5,000,000	$250,000
Maximum Contents Coverage Amount	$500,000	$100,000
Additional Coverage Options Available**	Additional Living Expenses & Carports	None
Basement Contents Coverage Available*	Yes	No
Waiting Period for Policy Inception (Waiting periods waived for loan closing)	7-15 Days	30 Days

*See policy for details.

**Limited coverage may be available for a detached garage. ​Learn More about Additional Living Expense and Loss of Use Coverage

Coverage Limits:

• NFIP: Offers limits up to $250,000 for your home's structure and $100,000 for personal belongings.

• Private Insurers: Often provide higher coverage limits, which can be beneficial if your property's value exceeds NFIP limits.

Additional Benefits:

• NFIP: Does not cover temporary living expenses if you need to move out during repairs.

• Private Insurers: Often have options for additional living expense coverage to help pay for temporary housing, meals, and other costs you might incur while your home is being repaired.

Policy Flexibility:

• NFIP: Policies have set terms and conditions.

• Private Insurers: Offer supplementary coverage options for things like basement contents, swimming pools, and additional buildings that may be on your property so your policy can be tailored to your specific needs.

  
  

Waiting Period:

• NFIP: This typically requires a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts.

• Private Insurers: These usually offer shorter waiting periods, sometimes as little as seven days.

• Exceptions: If your lender requires flood insurance for a loan closing, coverage may begin on your closing date for both NFIP and private policies.

How To get NFIP or Private Flood Insurance?

We offer both! Get a quote, and we'll compare the prices and coverage options for you. To learn more about your options, visit our NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance Page. Still have questions? Give us a call at 866-503-5663 and speak to one of our Flood Experts.

Do I Need Flood Insurance? 

Floods are the most common and costly disasters in the United States. Between 1980 and 2024, the United States experienced 45 flooding events and 67 tropical cyclones, each causing over $1 billion in damages. These devastating events left many homeowners and businesses struggling financially. With floods posing a significant risk to property owners across the country, it’s essential to understand flood insurance and ensure your home has the right protection. Visit our Quote Page to get a free quote. Our online quote tool shows you rates from the NFIP and trusted private insurers side by side—making it easy to find great coverage at the right price.

Questions? Call us at 866-503-5663. One of our flood experts can help you check your risk and find the best flood policy for your home. Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon to get flood insurance; call us today!

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. We make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. All liability for any reliance on the information is expressly disclaimed.