What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

What many homeowners do not realize is that flood coverage is not included in a standard home insurance policy. You will need to either add this coverage onto your policy or purchase separate flood insurance.

You may think that you don’t need flood coverage if you don’t live near a body of water or in a flood zone. But the truth is that floods can occur anywhere and they are one of the most common disasters in the country. They can be caused by heavy rainfall, overflowing bodies of water and snowmelt, among other factors.

For most homeowners, flood insurance is a sound investment. But like every insurance policy, there are a few exclusions. Let’s take a look at what is covered and what is excluded from flood insurance.

What Is Covered?

The primary focus of flood insurance is covering the structure of your house, including flooring, drywall, the foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning, furnaces, fuel tanks, water heaters and more. Many policies also cover debris removal, as it is part of the cleanup and repair process.

Additionally, flood insurance comes with contents coverage to protect your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics and more. Like any insurance, this form of coverage can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Talk to a trusted insurance professional to secure personalized coverage.

What Is Excluded?

Because basements are below ground level and more prone to flooding, most standard flood insurance policies do not cover basements or the contents stored within basements. Outdoor contents (e.g., patio furniture and lawn items) may also be excluded.

Some instances of mold or mildew growth may be excluded if it could’ve been prevented. For instance, if you neglected to put out fans, remove saturated carpeting and partake in other drying or recovery techniques, the mold and mildew will likely be considered preventable and may not be covered.

One of the best ways to protect your home from damaging floodwaters is to purchase flood insurance, so long as you understand its limitations. With this knowledge, you can take extra steps to ensure the protection of your home, belongings and, most importantly, your family.

Need more information? Call Insurance Partners of Kansas at 316-686-6666 for more information on Wichita flood insurance.