What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance typically covers damage to your property and belongings caused directly by flooding, which is defined as an excess of water on normally dry land. This includes events such as heavy rain, overflowing rivers or lakes, storm surges, and rapid snowmelt. Rick Tinker Insurance provides the same in Pasadena, TX, Houston, Galveston, Friendswood, TX, Webster, TX, Rosharon, TX and surrounding regions.
Flood insurance is usually divided into two parts: building coverage and contents coverage.
Building Coverage
This portion of the policy helps pay for repairs to the structure of your home or business. It usually covers:
- The foundation and structural walls
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- HVAC systems (furnaces, central air conditioners, water heaters)
- Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished floors
- Built-in appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers
- Detached garages (up to a certain percentage of the building coverage)
- Fuel tanks and solar equipment attached to the property
Contents Coverage
This protects your personal belongings and can include:
- Clothing, furniture, and electronics
- Washers, dryers, and portable appliances
- Curtains and portable air conditioners
- Valuable items like artwork and collectibles (subject to limits)
It’s important to note that flood insurance does not cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Damage from moisture, mildew, or mold not caused directly by floodwater
- Living expenses such as temporary housing
- Landscaping, decks, patios, or swimming pools
- Vehicles
- Currency, precious metals, or important papers
Flood insurance is typically provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, though some private insurers also offer coverage. It’s often required in high-risk flood zones if you have a federally backed mortgage. Even in moderate-to-low risk areas, it can be a wise investment, as standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Always read your specific policy to understand exactly what is covered and what isn’t.
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