Water damage may not be what you think. Insurance companies look at descriptions in a specific way. You may think your home ‘flooded” when the roof broke and water came in. Or maybe a pipe burst and there’s water everywhere. Insurance companies describe the roof damage bringing in water as wind damage. The wind blew the water into the building.  The pipe burst is just that…the pipe burst and damaged your home.

Flood insurance doesn’t cover every type of water damage. A flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program  typically does not cover:

  • Damage caused by burst pipes (that type of damage is covered under home insurance).
  • Personal property outside of your building such as decks, patios, swimming pools, septic systems and landscaping.
  • Preventable mold and mildew.
  • Additional living expenses, such as hotel lodging, if your home is inhabitable.
  • Damaged cars (the comprehensive portion of your car insurance policy covers flood-related car damage).

Flood is described as rising water.

Flood insurance can cover problems such as:

  • Storm surges.
  • Inland flooding, such as rivers and streams overflowing during a storm.
  • Flash floods.

Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect— your home, your business, your possessions.”
Many people think they are covered when they are not.  It’s been very sad to see people lose everything after a flood and have no insurance. If you are in a flood zone it may even be required to have flood insurance. Reduction of premiums are given for higher home elevations.  The  National Flood Insurance Program  is a common flood insurance offered by FEMA. It has caps of $250,000 for buildings and $100,000 for contents. However you can purchase additional insurance coverage from private personal flood insurers.

Forbes has an excellent article on flood insurance. If you need more information or have questions feel free to call 832.687.7225. We are happy to answer your questions.

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