Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Due to Florida’s unique location and weather conditions, homeowner’s insurance is a little different than in other parts of the country. One of the major differences is coverage in the event of a flood. The potential for heavy rains, storm surges and hurricanes significantly impact homeowner’s insurance in Florida.

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cover damage from floods or storm surges. To obtain coverage for those circumstances, individuals will need to purchase a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance company. If a flooding incident occurs and the home isn’t insured against floods, FEMA aid may be denied unless a federal emergency is declared.

For those in moderate or high-risk flood zones, flood insurance will be a requirement to obtain a mortgage. Cost will be influenced by factors that include the elevation of the home, its age, the risk zone in which its located, if it’s a rental property, and whether it’s a primary residence. The good news is that NFIP insurance can often be obtained through the same company that a homeowner’s policy is purchased.

Coverage for flood damage is usually tied to the cause in a homeowner’s policy. Internal damage from a burst pipe or a water heater leak will typically be covered – unless it was due to neglect, a lack of maintenance or seepage. Damage will also be covered as a result of water employed to extinguish a fire, overflows from appliances and fixtures, or vandalism. Damage inside the home will be covered due to a roof leak, but not the roof itself.

Homeowner policies provide coverage in multiple situations, but not floods due to hurricanes, storm surges and heavy rains. It’s important for homeowners to read the policy, understand the coverage, and know the exclusions before signing anything. Since the costs can also vary greatly among companies, it’s always a good idea to compare rates and coverage from at least three different agencies.

For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any

of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.

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The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487