Does My Home Insurance Cover Floods?

While you might not have too many concerns about floods in Michigan, our state has seen its fair share of flash flooding and severe floods. Any type of flood can quickly damage or destroy property - including your home. This damage can be devastating and costly, as well as dangerous for your family’s health.

When a flood happens, you want to have the right insurance coverage. This often means looking outside your usual homeowner’s policy. To discuss flood coverage with trusted insurance professionals, reach out to Hartman Insurance today!

Your Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Automatically Cover Floods

It is important to understand that homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not automatically provide coverage for flood damage. While homeowner’s insurance policies generally offer coverage for a variety of risks, such as fire, theft, or windstorm damage, they typically exclude coverage for flood-related losses. Flood insurance is instead part of a separate policy. Some carriers are now offering some limited flood coverage on homes that are not in designated flood zones. Those that are in a designated flood zone, a separate flood policy will be needed.

If you live in an area prone to flooding or located within a designated flood zone, we highly recommend that you purchase flood insurance to protect your home and belongings. Flood damage can be extremely costly, and without proper coverage, you may face significant financial burdens in the event of a flood-related incident.

It is essential to review your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully and consult with our insurance professionals to understand the extent of your coverage. Many people don’t even realize they are left uncovered in the event of a flood. Taking proactive measures to secure adequate flood insurance coverage can help protect your home and provide peace of mind in the face of potential flooding.

Choosing the Right Flood Coverage for Your Home

Choosing the right flood coverage for your home is essential to ensure you have adequate protection against the devastating effects of flooding. Here are some factors we can help you consider when selecting flood insurance:

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) vs. Private Insurance

We can help you determine whether to obtain flood insurance through the NFIP or a private insurer. The NFIP offers standardized coverage and is available in participating communities, while private insurers may provide more flexible options and additional coverage choices.

Your Flood Risk

We help to assess your property’s flood risk by reviewing flood zone maps and considering its proximity to bodies of water. Properties in high-risk flood zones may require mandatory flood insurance, but it’s advisable to consider coverage regardless of your location, at least at some level.

Coverage Limits

We will evaluate the coverage limits offered by different policies to ensure that they are sufficient to cover the replacement cost or actual cash value of your home and belongings in case of flood damage. We will also consider any specific coverage exclusions or limitations.

Speak with Our Insurance Professionals About Your Home Coverage Today

Consulting with our insurance professionals about flood coverage can provide valuable guidance in selecting the right policy for your home. Hartman Insurance can help you navigate all your options, understand policy terms, and ensure you have appropriate coverage to protect your property and belongings from the potential damages caused by flooding.