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Flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the U.S., according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Yet, most people don’t realize that their homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover flood.

With more than 20 percent of the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) claims coming from outside high-risk flood areas those who live in areas with low-to-moderate flooding risk should understand their risk and consider flood insurance.

The way water flows and drains can change due to building development, changing weather patterns, wildfires or other disasters that alter the terrain. As a result, the government is constantly evaluating risks and revising flood maps to keep up with these changes, so it is a good idea to check the maps annually for updates or sign up to receive an alert when your communities’ flood map is updated.

To learn more about flood risks in your area, contact your local emergency management office or FEMA to look at a .

NFIP coverage is typically around $700 a year in high risk areas. Property owners located in low-to-moderate risk areas should ask their agents if they are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, which provides flood insurance protection at a lower cost than a standard policy in a high-risk area.

Standard home insurance doesn't cover flood damage, but generally would provide additional living expenses coverage if your home were uninhabitable because of wind damage or other perils associated with the flood.

Talk to your licensed insurance agent to discuss your needs. See the section below for useful questions to ask about coverage.

Hurricane season starts June 1, which means homeowners and renters need to buy a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy at least 30 days prior for it to be in effect. You can purchase flood insurance any time, but it generally takes effect 30 days after purchase for coverage to take place. So, any damage done before the effective date is not covered.

• Does my homeowners insurance cover flood?
• What flood zone do I live in? What is my property's flood risk?
• What will and won't be covered?
• How much coverage should I purchase for my building and for my contents?
• When will my policy become effective?
• Will my policy provide Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value? What's the difference between the two?
• Do I qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP)?
• Does my community participate in NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS)? If so, does my home qualify for a CRS discount?
• Is flood insurance mandatory for my property? Will the lender require it?
• Are there additional expenses or agency fees?
• How can I pay for my policy?
• How do I renew my policy?

Flood insurance is a separate coverage that you can purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which FEMA manages, or sometimes through a private insurer. Your agent may be able to assist you with an NFIP policy or a policy from a private insurer. For more about purchasing an NFIP policy, contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at 1-800-427-4661. For more information about private insurers writing flood coverage in your state, contact your department of insurance.

If you choose a private flood insurance policy, shop around and compare coverage and premiums before you decide which policy to buy. Be sure to ask about the waiting period. NFIP and some private flood policies have a 30-day waiting period unless a policy is bought at the same time as a newly purchased home.

The NFIP standard flood insurance policy pays for direct physical damage to your insured property up to the replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) of actual damages, or the policy limits of coverage, whichever is less.

Homeowners:

• Leaking roof (unless due to poor maintenance
• Burst pipe
• Bath tub overflowing
• Damage to personal property from covered risks
• Water backup from an outside sewer (typically requires a rider)

Flood:

• Structural or foundational damage up to $250,000 due to flood
• Overflowing inland or tidal waters
• Mudslide damage due to mud being carried by a river or stream of water

NFIP policies cover up to $250,000 of flood damage to a home's structure, including:

• Damage to the furnace, water heater, air conditioner and floor surfaces (carpeting and tile)
• Debris removal and clean up
• Coverage for basements, crawlspaces and ground level enclosures on an elevated home is limited, so talk to your agent about any restrictions in the policy

Under the NFIP, personal property inside your home is not covered under the Building Property coverage form. However, coverage is available up to $100,000 for an additional premium.

• Clothes, washer and dryer
• Television and furniture
• Other personal belongings

Personal property is not covered under Building Property policy form. However, coverage is available for up to $500,000 and an additional premium.

Private insurers may have higher limits or broader coverage than NFIP policies. Work with your agent in understanding a private policy and comparing it to an NFIP policy.