Why you need flood insurance

Since 1996, flooding has affected 99% of U.S. counties, bringing significant damage and financial costs to homeowners and businesses. 

So, when a flood hits, be ready with flood insurance. 

Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps pay for damage to the structure and/or contents of your home. That’s money that is otherwise coming out of your pocket. Because, guess what? Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding. 

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Even if you are not in an area that requires flood insurance, you can still benefit. 

From 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims. 

 

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What’s Covered

Remember, most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. That’s why the NFIP offers two types of coverage—building coverage and contents coverage—to protect your home and belongings.

Why should I purchase flood insurance if:

  • A: Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.

  • A: Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Poor drainage systems, summer storms, melting snow, neighborhood construction, and broken water mains can all result in flooding.

    In high-risk areas, there is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

  • A: Even though flood insurance isn’t required for your property, flooding can happen to anyone.

    In fact, from 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims and required one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding.

  • A: Federal disaster assistance is only made available when there is a Presidential disaster declaration, and most flood events do not result in a declaration. Disaster assistance typically comes in the form of loans that must be repaid – with interest!

    Disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to kick-start recovery, but is not enough restore your home to its pre-disaster condition or to replace your treasured household items.

    Flood insurance does not have to be paid back, and it is designed to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition. There is no better way to protect the life you’ve built than with NFIP flood insurance.

  • A: It’s likely your landlord has flood insurance that covers the building, but not its contents.

    Affordable, contents-only flood insurance will help you protect the items inside of your unit in the event of a flood.