08/18/2026
Given the recent flooding in the Midwest, this can serve as a good reminder: ๐ Flooding can happen where you least expect it. And when it does, your homeowners insurance may not cover the damage.
Many homeowners assume that if water enters their home, their homeowners policy will take care of it. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, which is why understanding flood insurance before you need it is so important.
Here are a few things every homeowner should know:
๐ง What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance is designed to cover certain types of water damage caused by floodingโsuch as water covering normally dry land and affecting two or more properties or two or more acres. This can include flooding from heavy rain, overflowing rivers, coastal storms, storm surge, and other covered events.
๐ You don't have to live in a high-risk flood zone.
Flooding can happen almost anywhere. Your property's flood risk can change over time due to weather patterns, development, drainage changes, and other factors. Even homes outside designated high-risk areas can experience significant flooding.
๐ Your homeowners policy and flood policy are different.
Your homeowners insurance may cover certain types of water damage, such as damage from a burst pipe or certain accidental plumbing issues. However, water coming from outside the home as a result of flooding is generally a different matter. Understanding the difference can help you identify potential gaps in your coverage.
๐๏ธ Flood insurance can help protect more than just the structure.
Depending on the policy and coverage selected, flood insurance may help cover certain damage to the building itself as well as eligible personal belongings. There are limits, exclusions, deductibles, and specific coverage rules to understand, so it's important to review the details of your policy.
โฐ Don't wait until a storm is approaching.
Flood insurance often has a waiting period before coverage begins, although there can be exceptions. That means purchasing coverage after you've heard a major storm is coming may be too late.
๐ฐ Think about the cost of recovery.
Even a few inches of water can cause significant damage to flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, electrical systems, and personal belongings. Having the right coverage in place ahead of time can help reduce the financial burden of recovering from a flood.
The bottom line? Don't assume you're covered simply because you have homeowners insurance.
Take a few minutes to review your current coverage and ask yourself: If my home flooded tomorrow, would I know exactly what my insurance wouldโand wouldn'tโcover?
If you're not sure, we're happy to help you understand your options and identify potential coverage gaps. โค๏ธ
