Homeowners’ insurance is a type of insurance that covers your home and possessions in the event of damage or theft. You should know what is and isn’t covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy to be prepared in the event of a disaster. As mentioned, standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not typically cover flood damage. Therefore, it is vital to purchase separate flood insurance so you can protect your home and belongings from flood damage.
If you still don’t fully understand the importance of this coverage, here is a two-part post from 5280 Insurance that answers some of the questions you might have about this topic:
Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Flood Damages?
Flooding is a significant cause of property damage and can occur anywhere there is a risk of water seeping in, such as near a river, lake, or coastline. In some cases, flooding can be so severe that it can damage homes and businesses.
Homeowner’s insurance policies usually do not cover flood damage. However, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
How Much Is the Average Cost for Flood Insurance in the U.S.?
The average cost of flood insurance in the United States is $800 to $1200 per year, but the cost can still change depending on the location. For example, the cost of flood insurance in New York City is much higher than the cost in rural areas.
What Home Insurance Add-Ons Can You Add to Your Policy to Include Flood Damage Coverage?
There are several different add-ons that you can add to your home insurance policy including flood damage coverage. One is a rider policy, which is a policy that is specifically designed to cover flooding. Another is a water backup policy, which covers damage caused by water backing up into your home.
You should note that not all home insurance policies include flood damage coverage. If you live in a flood-prone area, it is important to check with your insurance company to see if they offer flood insurance. If they don’t, you may want to consider purchasing a rider policy or a water backup policy.
What’s Not Included in a Flood Insurance Add-On to Your Homeowner’s Insurance?
It is essential to understand the coverage of your flood insurance and the things it does not cover. Here are some of the things that flood insurance usually does not cover:
Living Costs While Waiting for Your Property to Be Rebuilt or Fixed
The expenses that you need after moving out due to a flood are usually not covered by flood insurance. For instance, you might have to rent a house temporarily while your home is being repaired. Additionally, there are the costs of hiring movers to transport your belongings to your new residence. Expenses like these are not covered by flood insurance.
Mold, Mildew, or Moisture
Flood insurance will not cover any damage that could have been prevented, such as water damage from a leaky ceiling or walls. Even small amounts of mold can cause serious problems if not dealt with quickly, so it is vital to check for these things immediately after a flood.
Other Structures Outside Your Home
Other detached structures such as fences, decks, swimming pools, gazebos, patios, and septic systems are not included in the coverage.
Vehicles Including Cars, Motorcycles, and RV Trucks
Your home insurance policy most likely does not cover any vehicles on your property damaged by floods. However, your auto insurance policy should protect them. So as long as you have auto insurance, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Conclusion
Know that if your property is affected by a flood, your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover the damages. You should remember this, as you may need to purchase separate flood insurance to protect against this type of natural disaster. Make sure to ask your trusted home insurance company about this so you can choose an add-on if necessary.
5280 Insurance is one of the best insurance companies in Colorado that can provide you with the insurance that you need for your assets. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our insurance products!
