What Flood Insurance Covers

Not everyone has flood insurance but we recommend that everyone obtain a policy especially living in Florida.  There are limits to your flood insurance policy that you should be aware of in the event of a water event.

There are two types of coverage, Building coverage and Personal Property coverage.  Building coverage is limited to a maximum of $250,000 and Personal Property is limited up to $100,000.

Before we get to what’s covered, we should reference the National Flood Insurance Program‘s definition of what is considered to be a flood:

A flood is (1) “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from a. overflow of inland or tidal waters; b. unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or c. mudflow*. (2) collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined in A.1.a. above.

Just so you know, sewer backups are not covered flood insurance events unless they are caused by flooding.

What flood insurance covers:

On your building/structure, here are the items that are covered:

• The actual building and foundation
• Plumbing
• Electric
• Appliances
• Carpeting over unfinished floor
• Wallboard, bookcases, cabinets
• Debris removal

Personal Contents:

• Your personal items such as clothes, furnishings, and electronics
• Window coverings like curtains
• Carpets that weren’t covered in your building coverage
• Original artwork and furs (up to $2500)

But here’s what is NOT covered:

• Damage from moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner
• Precious metals and paper (like stock certificates)
• Temporary housing expenses
• Financial losses from interruption of business practices or loss of use of insured property
• Vehicles

• Trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools.