For many Florida homeowners, the real surprise after a storm isn’t the damage—it’s finding out that their insurance won’t cover it. Flooding is one of the most common (and costly) disasters in the state, yet it’s not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Covering that risk means purchasing a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private provider. In this article, we’ll look at why flood coverage is left out of most home insurance policies, what types of water damage your homeowners policy might cover, and the simple steps to take if you want protection before the next storm hits.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding?
In short, no. Standard homeowners insurance will not cover flooding. If water rises from outside your home and damages your property, it falls under the insurance industry’s definition of a “flood,” which is excluded from typical home policies.
FEMA defines a flood as the “partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land, or two or more properties,” caused by:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from heavy rains
- Mudflow
This means damage from storm surge, overflowing rivers, or a nearby body of water is not covered. Even large puddles that seep into your home during extreme rain events are considered flooding.
To cover flood damage, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender may require it, but many homeowners outside these areas choose to buy flood coverage as well—especially since more than 20% of NFIP claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.
Why Is Flood Not Covered By Insurance?
It’s natural to think that if floodwaters get into your home, your homeowners insurance should help pay for the damage. In reality, that’s not how most policies work—and there are good reasons for it.
Flooding is far more common than many homeowners realize, and the cost of repairs can be substantial. Year after year, large numbers of flood-related claims would drive premiums higher for everyone and could even make insurance eligibility more difficult.
Floods also aren’t limited to hurricane season. A heavy rainstorm, overwhelmed drainage system, or other body of water overflow can easily cause a flood. Because flooding can happen at any time (and is difficult for insurance companies to predict) it’s not practical to include it in standard homeowners policies.
Some insurers do offer a limited flood endorsement, but this is the exception, not the rule.
Does Home Insurance Cover Any Water Damage?
Just because flooding isn’t covered doesn’t mean your homeowners insurance won’t pay for any water damage. In fact, most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for certain types of water damage—as long as it’s sudden, accidental, and not the result of rising floodwater.
Typically, you’re covered for water damage that originates inside your home, such as a burst pipe, faulty plumbing, or a malfunctioning appliance. Your policy may also cover certain external water damage (for example, if high winds tear off shingles and rain enters through the roof, or if your home sustains water damage from sprinklers or hoses used to extinguish a fire).
There are important limitations to keep in mind. If your water heater bursts but the damage is linked to poor maintenance, your insurance claim may be denied.
Standard policies also won’t cover damage from sewer or drain backups or sump pump failures—those require an added endorsement. And while your insurance will pay for the damage caused by a burst water heater, it won’t pay to replace the appliance itself.
How Do You Get Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance must be purchased separately from your homeowners policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Either type can offer great coverage, but the best option for you will depend on a variety of factors.
One important thing to remember is timing: some policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. That means you can’t buy coverage at the last minute when a storm is already on the way.
While some homeowners in high-risk flood zones are required by their lender to carry flood insurance, others choose to buy it for peace of mind. Just one inch of water can cost upwards of $20,000 in repairs, and premiums are often lower than many expect—especially compared to paying out of pocket for water damage. An experienced insurance agent can walk you through your options and help you choose the right property coverage for your needs.
Don’t Wait for the Water to Rise
When it comes to protecting your home, the gap between what you think is covered and what actually is can be costly—especially when it comes to flooding. Standard homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage, no matter if it’s from storm surge, heavy rains, or overflow from a nearby body of water. The only way to be protected is with a separate flood insurance policy.
Whether you’re in a high-risk flood zone or not, it’s worth weighing the cost of coverage against the expense of repairs. And with most NFIP policies carrying a 30-day waiting period, acting before storm season is essential.
At Darr Schackow Insurance, our experienced agents can help you compare National Flood Insurance Program policies and private flood insurance options so you can choose the right fit for your home, budget, and peace of mind. Contact us today to get started and protect your home before the next storm arrives.