Floods can happen anywhere — FEMA reports that just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Although many homeowners believe their regular home policy should be enough, this is often not the case. Flood insurance can help cover costs due to flood damage that other insurance policies won’t. Not all home policies provide coverage for damage due to flooding. That’s why it’s essential to protect your most important financial assets — your home, business, and possessions– with flood insurance.
What is covered by flood insurance:
- Essential systems in the home: Electrical systems, plumbing systems, furnaces, cooling systems, and water heaters.
- Most larger appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers, etc.)
- Some small appliances: Portable AC, window AC units, deep freezers, microwave ovens.
- Carpeting: Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor and carpet over wooden flooring. Blinds and curtains may also be included in your policy.
- Cabinetry: Permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and bookcases directly affected by flood damage.
- Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases attached to the building.
- A detached garage, used for limited storage or parking.
- Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment.
- Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment.
- Valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
What does flood insurance not cover?
- Temporary housing: If you need to stay in a hotel while your home is being repaired after a flood, flood insurance will not cover your hotel stay.
- Property outside of an insured building: Landscaping, wells, septic systems, decks and patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
- Financial losses caused by business interruption from flood damage rebuilding
- Currency, precious metals, stock certificates and other valuable papers
- Cars and most self-propelled vehicles, including their parts
- Personal property kept in basements
It is important to remember that flood insurance will only protect damage caused directly by flooding. If your freezer suddenly stops working due to a manufacturing defect, electrical issues, or normal wear and tear, your flood insurance would not help cover any costs incurred. However, if your freezer is damaged specifically because of flooding, your flood insurance policy should provide some financial relief.
Want to make sure your home, business, and assets are protected? Talk to one of our experienced agents about flood insurance today by calling or texting us at 410-742-5111 in Salisbury.