According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 90% of natural disasters in the United States involve flooding.
Depending on where your property is located, you may be more prone to flooding than someone else. But the truth of the matter is, anywhere it rains, it can flood.
A few of the most common causes of floods include storms and hurricanes, heavy rains, and levee breaches.
How much flooding can cost you
According to NFIP, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one inch of water in a single-story, 1,000-square-foot home can cause $11,000 worth of damage. One foot of water in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home can cause more than $29,000 in damage. You can estimate potential damage with NFIP’s flood damage cost calculator.
Among the many things that could be damaged in a flood situation are your home’s drywall, baseboards, carpets, and furniture.
Water damage events not typically covered under a standard homeowner’s policy
Many severe water damage events aren’t typically covered under your standard homeowner’s policy. When you have a homeowner’s policy with MAPFRE, things that are not usually covered include:
- Surface water flood damage
- Water damage resulting from lack of maintenance or negligence
- Repair of the source of the leak (e.g., water heater or washing machine)
- Water and sewer backup, but additional coverage may be available
- Groundwater that enters through basement walls and floors
Because flood water can cause extensive damage to your home and property, it’s recommended that homeowners purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance can be purchased by many private insurers or through the NFIP.
What’s covered with NFIP flood insurance
When you purchase flood insurance with NFIP, two types of coverage are offered to homeowners: building coverage and contents coverage.
Among some of the protections for building coverage are:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Furnaces and water heaters
- Refrigerators, stoves, and built-in appliances
- Permanently installed carpeting
- Permanently installed cabinets
- Window blinds
- Detached garages
- Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment
Some of the protections for content coverage include the following:
- Personal belongings like clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Washer and dryer
- Window air conditioners
- Microwave oven
How much does flooding coverage cost?
When you take a policy with NFIP, you can choose your coverage amount. Your agent will be able to discuss your coverage options with you.
Not sure if you need flood insurance? By visiting FEMA, you can learn about the risk factors and whether your community is in a flood zone. Not sure if you need flood insurance?
To purchase flood insurance with NFIP, contact them at 877-336-2627 or use the NFIP insurance provider locator to find a provider near you. Remember, there is typically a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect.
If you already have flood insurance with NFIP and need to file a claim, instructions on how to do so can be found on their website.
And make sure you have the right home and auto insurance coverage with MAPFRE by talking to an independent agent in your state. You can also get a fast, free quote online in Massachusetts today to see how much you could save!
