Understand the coverage
The definition of flood does most of the work in a claim, and it is narrower than most people assume.
Ask a flood questionIs my situation a flood
NFIP versus private
Waiting periods
What contents coverage includes
The definition decides the claim, so it is worth reading carefully.
For coverage to apply, water has to have affected at least two properties or at least two acres, and the water has to be rising rather than falling. A burst pipe is not a flood. A swollen river is.
Mudflow is included. Landslide is not. Water that backs up through a sewer or sump may or may not be, depending on the specific endorsement on the policy.
This is why two neighbors can have identical damage and different outcomes. The mechanics of how the water arrived decides the coverage, not the amount of damage.
The NFIP is comprehensive on the structure and narrower elsewhere.
| Item | Covered by NFIP |
|---|---|
| Foundation, walls, roof | Yes, up to the building limit |
| Built-in appliances and systems | Yes |
| Furniture, clothing, appliances | Yes, under contents coverage |
| Loss of use or temporary housing | No |
| Basement contents beyond specific items | Very limited |
| Outdoor property, decks, fences, pools | No |
| Currency, stock certificates, valuable papers | No |
It prevents someone from buying coverage as a storm approaches. There are exceptions, mainly when coverage is required at a real estate closing.
Yes, with a private flood policy or an excess flood policy on top of the NFIP.
Replacement cost on the building if you insure to at least 80 percent of its replacement value. Contents are often actual cash value.
Secure form, about 2 minutes. A licensed specialist compares available options and follows up promptly.
Step 1 of 3 · Property
Basement: a full or walkout basement, finished or unfinished. A walkout opens at grade level on at least one side.
Crawl space: a shallow space under the living area, above or below grade.
Slab: the building sits directly on a concrete slab with no space beneath. On grade means the slab is at ground level. On fill means the ground was built up first.
Elevated: the lowest floor is raised above ground level, over a garage, with an enclosure, or with open space beneath. How the space beneath is enclosed changes the rate materially, which is why the distinction is asked.
