Is Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage for Flooding or is That Separate?
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will typically cover damages resulting from flooding due to
a leak, broken pipe, or other cause originating within your home. Damage isn’t covered by the
policy if the insurance company can prove that the incident was caused because you failed to
make a repair or take a precaution.
You may also be covered if your roof is damaged from hail, allowing water to enter. The
insurance company will expect you to take certain measures to contain and mitigate the
damage. If you don’t or the insurer deems you were negligent in some way, a claim may be
denied. Damages from wind that leads to a leaky roof may also be covered, but you’ll be
required to prove the wind came before the roof damage.
Flood damage from a storm or hurricane is another issue entirely. According to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, damages from Hurricane Ian totaled over $112.9
billion. However, the cost of damage from previous hurricanes had already changed the
insurance industry in Florida. Insurers began dropping clients, refusing to issue new policies,
became insolvent, and many ceased operating in the state.
As a resident of the Sunshine State, you can get flood insurance through the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It’s
a separate policy that you’ll have in addition to your regular homeowner’s insurance. It also
covers renters. Any home or business owners with a mortgage is required to have flood
insurance.
FEMA also operates the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) that provides direct and
financial services to uninsured or underinsured individuals that are impacted by a disaster and
in need. Anyone is eligible to apply for assistance through the program, regardless of income,
but it’s not a substitute for FEMA flood insurance.
For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any
of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.
We can be found on Social Media at the following links.
The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
