Flood Insurance: What It Costs and What It Covers – CNET

November 6, 2022

56 4 minutes read

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Online (2022 Rates) – Forbes Advisor

The Impact of Flooding

Flooding is a common occurrence in natural disasters, accounting for 90% of them. In the United States alone, the damage caused by flooding exceeded $20 billion in 2021, as reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information. As weather patterns continue to evolve, it is crucial to be prepared. Over the past 25 years, flooding has affected 99% of American counties, with more than 40% of federal flood insurance claims filed in areas where the risk of flooding is considered low.

Maybe you are interested

Understanding Flood Insurance

Unlike standard homeowners insurance policies, flood coverage is not typically included. However, if you reside in an area prone to hurricanes or floods, it is essential to protect your finances with flood insurance. Taking action now is wise, as policies usually take 30 days to become effective. This way, you can secure coverage at a lower rate. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about flood insurance, including the costs and coverage it provides.

Reading: How much does flood insurance cover

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flooding can result from heavy rainfall, snowmelt, hurricanes, failed dams, or blocked storm drains. Flood insurance complements your basic home insurance policy by covering your home’s structure and contents in case of flood damage. Traditionally, most homeowners obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, an increasingly popular alternative is private flood insurance, which often offers more extensive coverage at lower rates. Recent changes to the NFIP’s rating model have resulted in significant rate increases for 77% of policyholders nationwide, making private options even more attractive.

How Does Flood Insurance Work?

Flood insurance operates similarly to other types of insurance policies. By paying a monthly or annual premium, you ensure coverage in the event of a flood that damages your property. Your policy will outline the specific terms and limits of coverage. NFIP coverage is an annual policy, automatically renewed each year, with structure coverage capped at $250,000 and contents coverage at $100,000. Private flood insurance policies may offer different policy lengths and higher coverage limits, with structure coverage up to $500,000 and contents coverage up to $250,000. Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premiums, but keep in mind that it may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim.

There is generally a 30-day waiting period from the time you purchase a flood policy until it becomes effective. However, this waiting period can be waived under specific circumstances, such as when you modify your home loan, purchase insurance after a wildfire has caused flooding on burned federal land within 60 days, or purchase insurance within 13 months of your home being mapped in a high-risk flood zone. Private flood insurance typically has a shorter waiting period of 14 days and provides more comprehensive coverage options compared to NFIP insurance.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

The coverage provided by flood insurance, whether obtained through NFIP or private insurers, is similar. Structure coverage typically includes appliances, cabinets, paneling, garages, blinds, electrical and plumbing systems, solar power systems, and more. If your home requires complete replacement or rebuilding, you must follow the 80% rule, which stipulates that your home must be your primary residence for at least 80% of the year, and your policy should cover at least 80% of your home’s value.

Contents coverage pertains to what’s inside your structure and typically includes items such as washers, dryers, microwaves, curtains, portable air conditioners, personal belongings, and up to $2,500 worth of valuables like jewelry and fine art. Contents coverage is valued at the actual cash value, which means the payment is based on the depreciated cost of damaged property.

It’s important to note that flood insurance does not typically cover certain items, including furniture and stored items in basements or underground rooms, cars, valuable papers, property outside the home like decks or pools, damage due to mold or fungus, and additional living expenses during repairs. Limited coverage is provided for basements and underground living spaces, with built-in appliances and drywall damage covered, but personal items, window treatments, paneling, shelving, and floor coverings usually excluded. To minimize potential damage, the NFIP recommends moving items from underground areas to higher floors when a flood risk is imminent. Private flood insurance plans may offer expanded coverage options, including higher limits for home and contents coverage, pool repair, lost business expenses, and additional living expenses.

The Cost of Flood Insurance

The average cost of flood insurance through NFIP was $700 per $250,000 of home coverage in 2019. However, homeowners and renters in low- and moderate-risk flood zones can opt for preferred risk policies, starting at $100 a year, which provide the same coverage as standard policies. With the recent changes to the NFIP’s fair pricing model, effective as of October 1, 2021, most policyholders in the United States have experienced rate increases. Approximately 66% of NFIP policyholders now pay up to $10 more per month, while 7% pay between $10 and $20 more per month. Another 4% face an increase of $20 or more per month.

It’s vital to consider that if your home is flooded and you do not have flood insurance, government assistance may not be available. Federal disaster assistance is typically only provided when the president declares a federal disaster and is generally limited to a $5,000 loan that must be repaid.

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

If you live in a high-risk flood area, it is highly recommended to obtain flood insurance. However, if you reside in a low- or moderate-risk area, it is optional. Homeowners have the option to purchase dwelling and contents coverage, while renters are eligible for contents-only flood insurance.