Flood Insurance
A Deluge of Protection
Flooding is Florida’s most common disaster—and most homeowners don’t realize they’re unprotected until after the waters rise. Learn what you need to know to ensure you’re covered.
What Every Florida Homeowner Should Know About Flood Insurance
Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem or limited to hurricane season. Whether it’s from heavy rains, storm surges, or overflowing rivers, flooding can happen anywhere in Florida, at any time. And most standard home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.Without flood insurance, the resulting water damage can leave you with tens of thousands of dollars in damage to pay out of pocket.
What Does (Private) Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance is designed to help you recover from the unexpected. Here’s what’s typically included:
- Your Home’s Structure: Covers water damage to walls, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, and more.
- Personal Belongings: Protects furniture, clothing, and appliances damaged in a flood.
- Additional Living Expenses: Offsets the increased costs of living if your home becomes uninhabitable after a storm.
- Quick Tip: Keep an updated home inventory (including model numbers and receipts) to ensure your personal items are properly accounted for in a claim.
Ready to Protect Your Home Against Flood Damage?
Flood Risk Isn’t Limited to Flood Zones
Think you’re safe because you don’t live in a flood zone? Think again.
Come from outside FEMA’s high-risk flood zones.
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Florida’s Flat Terrain:
Makes inland flooding from heavy rains a significant risk, especially as the urban landscape continues to change. - The Financial Reality:
According to FEMA just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage.
Don’t assume you’re safe just because your home isn’t coastal. Floods can happen anywhere.
Choosing the Right Flood Insurance
Not all flood insurance is the same. Here are your options:
Private Flood Insurance:
- Single deductible for dwelling and contents vs. NFIP
- Maximum coverage as high as $5M
- Often provides increased coverage limits and more robust coverage options
- Typically, there is no 30-day waiting period, policy fee, or surcharges
NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
- Backed by FEMA, does not include additional living expense coverage
- Maximum coverage of $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for belongings
- Includes a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
Private Flood Insurance:
- Single deductible for dwelling and contents vs. NFIP
- Maximum coverage as high as $5M
- Often provides increased coverage limits and more robust coverage option
- Typically, there is no 30-day waiting period, policy fee, or surcharges
NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
- Backed by FEMA, does not include additional living expense coverage
- Maximum coverage of $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for belongings
- Includes a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
Ensure Your Home Is Protected Against Flooding
The True Cost of Being Uninsured for Flood Damage
Can you afford to repair your home and replace your belongings after a flood? Without flood insurance, the answer might be no.
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Average Hurricane Helene Flood Claim:
$40,709 (according to the Insurance Information Institute) -
Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
Repairs, temporary housing, and lost belongings can add up fast.
Ensure Your Home Is Protected Against Flooding
Your Next Steps to Flood Protection
Flooding often happens when you least expect it, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Here’s how to get started:
Check Your Risk
- Use FEMA’s flood map or consult with an agent.
Choose Your Coverage
- Talk to an agent to determine whether NFIP or private insurance is the better choice for you.
Act Now
- NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period, so the sooner you act, the better.
Put Your Boosted Florida Insurance IQ to Work
Now that you understand the importance of flood insurance in Florida, keep building your knowledge to stay prepared. Explore more Florida Insurance IQ topics to deepen your understanding and make informed decisions about protecting your home. Stay ahead of the storm—keep learning today!