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What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance covers damage caused by qualifying flood events that are not included in standard homeowners insurance.

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Understanding What Flood Insurance Actually Covers

Flood insurance exists to cover damage caused by flooding, something most homeowners insurance policies do not include. Whether coverage is written through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurance carrier, flood insurance is designed to protect your property from specific flood-related losses.

Understanding what is covered, and just as importantly what is not, can help you choose the right policy and avoid surprises after a flood event.

Key Flood Insurance Coverage Facts

Quick summary before you dive in.

  • Flood insurance covers damage caused by qualifying flood events only
  • Most homeowners insurance policies do not include flood coverage
  • Coverage can include buildings, belongings, and limited living expenses
  • Coverage details vary between NFIP and private flood insurance policies

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    Written by Save Flood Insurance Agency

    Building and Dwelling Coverage

    Building coverage protects the main structure of your home or commercial building. This generally includes the foundation, walls, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, and permanently installed fixtures.

    Flood insurance can also apply to buildings under construction in certain situations, depending on the policy and carrier.

    Coverage for Detached Structures

    Some flood insurance policies provide limited coverage for detached structures such as garages, sheds, or barns. Coverage amounts may be included automatically or added as an option, depending on the policy.

    Personal Property Coverage

    Personal property coverage helps protect belongings inside the insured building, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Claims are typically paid based on actual cash value, which accounts for depreciation.

    Coverage limits may apply to individual items and to belongings located in basements or lower levels. Private flood insurance policies may offer broader personal property options than NFIP policies.

    Loss of Use and Additional Living Expenses

    Some flood insurance policies include limited coverage for additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily unlivable due to flood damage. This coverage helps with short-term housing needs while repairs are completed.

    Limits and availability vary by policy and are typically lower than homeowners insurance loss of use coverage.

    Smarter private flood insurance options

    Why SaveFlood

    We help homeowners compare private flood insurance policies with licensed guidance, strong carriers, and lender-accepted coverage when they qualify.

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    Flooded rural farmland with damaged fence and overflowing water, highlighting flood prevention issues.