1. 16470 POINTS
    David Osgood
    Agent, Rural Mutual Insurance Co., Union Grove, WI
    Flood insurance is a completely separate policy from homeowners insurance. Many agents that sell homeowners insurance will also sell flood insurance. I would suggest contacting a local agent to find out about the availability and cost of flood insurance within your specific geographic location. Regarding coverages offered through your homeowners policy. I would recommend reading the policy completely to understand what coverage is provided and what exclusions there may be.
    Answered on July 2, 2013
  2. 7647 POINTS
    Mark Bartlett CLCS
    Branch Owner, TWFG Insurance Services, Fremont California and the Greater Bay Area Representing Dozens of Insurance Carriers
    Flood insurance or coverage for a flood is not included in a homeowners insurance policy and is in fact specifically excluded. There is only one option for flood protection and that is to purchase a flood policy. Almost all insurance companies can write you a flood policy but the policy is underwritten though FEMA. Which ever insurance company you currently work with on your homeowners insurance should be able to set you up with a flood policy. Unless there is a close of escrow you have a 30 day wait before a flood policy can become active so no waiting until the storm hits to purchase a flood policy. Flood is not to be mixed up with water damage which is covered under a homeowners policy. An example of water damage would be a pipe that burst in the home.
    Answered on July 2, 2013
  3. 21750 POINTS
    Jim Winkler
    CEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, Texas
    Great question! You are wise to ask, too many people learn the hard way that flood damage isn't covered. If your home is in a place that is susceptible to flooding, then you really want to add that coverage to your insurance package. I grew up back in Illinois, and I saw over and over every few years  when the river would flood people that lost nearly everything because "it will never get this high". Better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for asking!
    Answered on April 30, 2014
  4. 429 POINTS
    Rich Haag
    President, Rich Haag & Associates, Inc., Clayton, NC
    Flood insurance is typically excluded from all basic homeowners policies. The National Flood Insurance Plan covers flood for these exclusions. It is a federally funded policy that will cover you up to $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for your contents. More is available in the aftermarket, but you must have the underlying national program as a base.
    Answered on July 30, 2014
  5. 37376 POINTS
    David G. Pipes, CLU®, RICP®
    Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
    Damage caused by flooding is excluded from most homeowner’s policies.  Almost 25% of the property losses in the USA are the result of floods.  There is a national flood program available and most insurance agents can provide the coverage.  Lenders often require flood insurance if the flood risk is too high.
    Answered on July 30, 2014
  6. 14231 POINTS
    Tom Sheehan
    Agency Owner, The Thomas G Sheehan Agency, 27 Glen Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482
    The answer to this question is a resounding "no".  Damage caused by flood is always excluded from a standard Homeowners' Insurance policy.  There may be ways to endorse coverage for water damage caused by a failed drainage system, but this is not flood insurance.  Flood Insurance protection can only be obtained by the purchase of a separate Flood Insurance policy through a program managed by FEMA and more than likely available through your Insurance Professional.
    Answered on July 31, 2014
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