Standard home insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding, and because a flood can cause such a massive loss, securing flood insurance on top of your home insurance is a no-brainer. In addition, securing additional policies or endorsements will provide solid protection against specific perils.
The flood insurance offered by the National Flood Insurance Program provides the following:
Building Coverage
The NFIP covers the structure of your home. It includes:
- Home foundations, walls, and staircases
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Solar energy devices
- Home fixtures such as cabinets, wall paneling, and bookcases
- Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves
- Fuel and fuel tanks
- Well tanks and pressure pumps
- Installed carpets and window blinds
- Detached garages
Contents Coverage
The NFIP flood insurance also covers the contents of your home. It includes:
- Personal assets like clothing, electric devices, and furniture
- High-value such as artworks and collections (coverage up to $2,500)
- Appliances like microwave ovens, washers, dryers, and air conditioners
- Curtains and carpets not permanently installed
Exclusions in National Flood Insurance Program Policy
Home insurance comes with conditions to specify exactly which damages and losses are covered by the policy. Not all damages are covered. Flood insurance is a type of home insurance that covers any damage related to flooding. Floods cover water that takes up more than two acres or any excess water on dry land.
Apart from the water damages not caused by flooding, the NFIP’s flood insurance also doesn’t cover the following:
- You incur additional living expenses when your home is damaged and becomes unlivable
- Properties like trees, septic systems, swimming pools, and landscaping outside your homes
- Precious metals, currency, and valuable papers like deeds, mortgages
- A loss of revenue because of business interruption
- A car and self-propelled vehicles like boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and their parts
- All personal belongings are kept in the basement
The Cost of Flood Insurance Policy
The national average cost of flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is $985 per year. Rates will vary based on where you live, what type of coverage you have, and any risks associated with your home.
While some people choose to take their chances and go without insurance, flood insurance is more practical if you live in a vulnerable area. According to NFIP, a flood as small as 12 inches can cost you $29,000 or more, depending on what’s in your home. With the continuous changes in our climate, flooding will increase every year.
How to File a Flood Damage Claim?
To recoup your losses in the event of flood damage during a storm, you must file a flood damage claim on time. Here are the steps you need to take to file a claim.
- Contact your insurer, who will coordinate the inspection.
- Review your policy to ensure you are informed about what you are and aren’t covered for damage.
- Document the damages. Take pictures and videos of the damages to your home and its contents, including a list of damaged or lost items. Check with your insurance company beforehand to see if they require receipts of items you purchase to restore your home.
- Make repairs to any damages causing further damage that need immediate repair. For example, a leaky pipe is soaking through the floor and causing water damage to the ceiling above it.
- File a claim with your insurer and wait for their adjuster to inspect the damage and conduct their analysis before committing to any cost estimates or before agreeing on any repairs you intend to have completed as part of your insurance claim process.
- Once all inspections have concluded, and all estimates have been made, finalize your insurance claim, including all details about cost, and reach an agreement with your insurer about what would be covered in the final settlement.
Conclusion
With the recent rise in extreme weather events, it’s important to know if your home and its contents are protected against such incidents. Many homeowners have experienced damage to their homes due to floods, windstorms, and other unexpected events. Homeowners’ insurance can help offset the cost of repairs.
5280 Insurance is an insurance company providing home insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, and more. We dedicate ourselves to providing you and your family with protection that you can rely on while saving time and money. We understand insurance isn’t the most important thing on your mind with families of our own. That’s why we handle the details. If you need flood insurance in Denver, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us by calling (888) 288-5280 today!
