Melting snow and spring rains can cause flooding—even in areas that aren’t prone to flood. Remember, even if you live in a “1-in-a-100-years” flood zone, this could be the year.
You need to know: A standard homeowners policy will protect your home and your property in the event of theft, fire and similar damage. However, most homeowners policies exclude water damage caused by flooding or mudslides. So, you will need additional coverage.
Don’t panic. You can purchase a flood policy to cover your losses from this type of water damage.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some facts about flood insurance:
- Flood insurance premiums are calculated using the house’s age, style, elevation and location. In the past, flood rates were set nationally for years, so they didn’t differ between insurance companies. However, in additional to government-backed insurers, there are private flood insurers that will allow us to shop around for you and perhaps find lower rates than the national rates established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Coverage amounts can vary depending on the value of your house and its contents, but there is no coverage for your land.
- Coverage most likely will insure your house’s structure, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, cabinetry, HVAC systems, built-in appliances and carpeting. Debris removal also may be available.
- Contents coverage can cover: furniture, clothes, curtains, area rugs, electronics, small appliances and certain valuables.
- What’s not covered: Other structures on the premises other than a garage; finishes walls, floors, ceilings or personal belongings in a basement; and living expenses while flood damage is being repaired.
Further steps …
In addition to the necessary insurance policies, make sure you have the supplies on hand that will help you weather any storm. These include the following: battery-powered radios and flashlights, water, nonperishable food, first-aid supplies, plywood, security fencing, tarps, mops and sandbags.
The perfect time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. That’s exactly why you should call your independent insurance agency. They will be more than happy to review your insurance policies with you.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
