Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding After a Hurricane?

Hurricanes can unleash devastating winds and torrential rainfall on your home, potentially breaking windows, damaging roofs and weakening walls. However, some of the most damaging effects of a hurricane may leak into your home after the storm has passed. These tropical storms not only bring heavy precipitation and storm surges but can also often overwhelm levees and other infrastructure intended to control nearby bodies of water. As such, you should understand how to insure yourself against hurricane-related flood damage.

Are These Losses Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

Generally, standard homeowners insurance policies cannot assist you in recouping losses caused by floods. Although some types of water damage, such as water entering your home due to wind-related damage to the roof or windows, may be included in your coverage, floods typically require additional protection. Fortunately, separate flood insurance can address these situations and limit your out-of-pocket losses in the wake of a hurricane.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance policies may vary in their exact details, but you can typically submit a claim for financial assistance with the following:

• Building repairs—If your home’s structural elements, including its foundations, walls, and electrical and plumbing systems are damaged by floodwaters, your coverage can assist with repair costs.
• Content-related losses—Your policy can also help you restore or replace personal property that may have been damaged by a flood, such as furniture and electronics.
• Cleanup costs—Hurricanes and floods may leave behind quite a mess. The right insurance can help pay to safely remove debris and other materials from your property.

Why Is Coverage Important?

It cannot be emphasized enough that standard homeowners insurance should not be relied on alone to assist you in the wake of a hurricane. Given that floods are explicitly excluded from many standard policies, this misconception could prove devastating for you, your family and your financial interests. Without adequate coverage, you may not be able to rebuild your home, replace your belongings or otherwise financially recover from a hurricane. Additionally, in some cases, such as if you have a federally supported mortgage in a high-risk flood zone, you may be required to have coverage or face penalties.

Get the Right Coverage

Contact Wiglesworth-Rindom Insurance Agency today to learn more about Florida flood insurance.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.