Flooding isn't always covered!

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

According to the Insurance Information Institute, almost half (43%) of homeowners incorrectly believe flood damage from heavy rain is covered under their standard insurance policy.  The standard policy doesn’t cover flood damage from heavy rain or a hurricane-driven storm surge. Supplemental insurance is needed for such instances. Flood insurance can be gotten through NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) as a separate policy.

Flood Damage Is NOT Covered When it comes to water damage caused by weather driven, ground-level flooding. For example, there is no coverage if:

• A hurricane storm surge damages your property.
• Heavy rains flood your basement.
• An overflowing river or creek damages your home; or
• Tsunami-driven water destroys your home.

For coverage for these, a separate flood insurance policy available from the NFIP and a few private insurers must be purchased.

 Some good news: homeowners insurance helps you keep a roof over your head if your house has been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Standard policies generally cover special living costs incurred when you cannot live in your home because of an insured loss. Covered costs include additional expenses for temporary housing, hotel bills, restaurant meals and other expenses. This provision—known as “Additional Living Expenses” or ALE coverage—can provide peace of mind and help families move past disasters.