Did You Know Most Homeowners Insurance Policies Do Not Cover Flooding?

(INDIANAPOLIS) – Many cities across the state experienced flooding in 2018. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported $7.9 million in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims in Indiana by June 1 last year. Flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the U.S., according to FEMA.


The Indiana Department of Insurance provides information to help you understand flood insurance and tips for what to do during a flood.
Floods cost our nation nearly $8.2 billion annually. Yet, a 2016 Insurance Information Institute poll found that only 12 percent of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance. The Indiana Department of Insurance offers this information to help you better understand flood insurance, your risk and what to do in the event of a flood.
What is flood insurance?
The most important thing to understand about flood insurance is what it isn’t. The flood peril is not typically covered through most homeowners and renter’s insurance policies. Flood insurance is a separate coverage you can purchase through an agent or insurer participating in the NFIP, which FEMA manages.
The NFIP provides coverage of up to $250,000 for the structure of a home and up to $100,000 for personal possessions. If your agent or insurer doesn’t sell flood coverage, contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at 1-800-427-4661.
If your community doesn’t participate in the NFIP, contact your licensed insurance agent to ask about private flood insurance. If your agent can’t write a private flood policy, he or she may refer you to another licensed agent. If you choose a private flood insurance policy, shop around and compare coverage and premiums before you decide which policy to buy.
“It is important to note that the NFIP insurance policy doesn’t go into effect immediately after you buy it,” said Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson. “There is a 30-day waiting period unless a policy is bought at the same time as a newly purchased home.”
Why do I need flood insurance?
The FEMA flood map service allows you to determine your flood risk. Risk levels are divided into three categories:

  • High-risk areas have at least a 1 percent chance of flooding each year. Homeowners in these areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to buy flood insurance.
  • Moderate- to low-risk areas have less than a 1 percent chance of flooding each year, but there is still a possibility the area could flood. Flood coverage isn’t required in these areas, but it is recommended. Some mortgage lenders still require you to have flood insurance in non-high-risk areas.
  • Undetermined risk areas are areas where flood-hazard analysis has yet to be conducted, but risk still exists.
  • It is important to note that approximately 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from outside of high-risk flood zones. Where it can rain, it can flood. According to FEMA, an inch of water in a home could cause more than $25,000 in damages. If you experience flooding and have not purchased flood insurance, you might experience financial ruin.

Contact your insurance provider to learn more about flood insurance, to learn if your community participates in the NFIP or to get a quote.
What should I do in the event of a flood?

  • Have a plan. Learn the evacuation routes in your community and designate a point of contact in another state in the event your family is separated. If you are staying in your home during a flood event, go to the highest level of your home. If you are outdoors, move to higher ground and take shelter, if necessary.
  • Prepare your home. Move items you want to protect to a higher floor and prepare to turn off your electricity.
  • Store your insurance information in a safe place. Regularly update your homeowners or renters insurance and maintain a home inventory to keep a record of your possessions. Also, keep track of records and receipts. (MyHome Scr.APP.book: Apple Store or Google Play)
  • Keep insurance agent and company contact information handy. In the event of a flood, make contact with your insurer as soon as possible when it’s safe. Your policy may require you to notify the company within a certain time frame.
  • Take pictures of any property damage. Try to prevent further damage by cleaning and drying wet items.
  • File a claim. Most insurance companies have a time requirement for reporting a claim, so contact your agent or company as soon as possible.
  • Beware of fraud. Protect yourself by getting more than one bid from contractors and requesting references. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding. Record the contractor’s license plate and driver’s license numbers and check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • About the Indiana Department of Insurance

The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects Indiana’s insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The IDOI monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The IDOI also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.

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