Insurers sort water damage by where the water came from. Water from inside the house or from above (a pipe, an appliance, a storm-damaged roof) is usually a homeowners claim. Water that rose from outside and covered normally dry land is usually a flood claim, handled by a separate flood policy.
What counts as a flood
Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a flood generally means a temporary condition where water or mudflow covers at least two acres of normally dry land or two or more properties. Storm surge, overflowing rivers and lakes, and heavy rain that pools and enters at ground level usually qualify.
NFIP basics
- Coverage limits. NFIP residential policies cover up to $250,000 for the building and up to $100,000 for contents. Contents coverage is separate and must be purchased.
- Waiting period. New policies generally take effect after a 30-day waiting period, with limited exceptions such as when a loan requires the coverage.
- Basements and below-elevation areas have limited coverage.
- Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) can pay up to $30,000 toward elevating or otherwise bringing a substantially damaged home up to current flood rules.
- Private flood insurance is also sold in Florida and may have different limits and terms.
When one storm causes both
A hurricane can cause wind damage (homeowners or wind policy) and flood damage (flood policy) to the same home. Document them separately: photos of roof and window openings for wind, and photos and measurements of the flood waterline for flood. Each policy has its own adjuster and deductible.
Filing an NFIP claim
- Report the loss to your flood insurer and get a claim number.
- Photograph the waterline, every room and all damaged items before removal. Keep samples of flooring and drywall if asked.
- Start drying and removing wet materials. Flood policies expect reasonable steps to prevent more damage.
- Submit a signed proof of loss within the deadline your insurer gives you (FEMA sets this for NFIP policies).
More: FloodSmart.gov (official NFIP site) and the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
FEMA disaster assistance is not insurance
After a federally declared disaster, FEMA Individual Assistance may help with some uninsured needs, but it is limited and does not replace a flood policy. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov if a declaration covers your county.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your policy and official sources.
Frequently asked questions
I am not in a high-risk flood zone. Do I need flood insurance?
Lenders usually require it only in high-risk zones, but floods happen outside them too, especially in heavy rain. Policies outside high-risk zones are often priced lower.
Does flood insurance cover mold?
NFIP may cover mold that results from a covered flood if you took reasonable steps to dry the home. Mold from delays you could have prevented may not be covered.
Can I have both NFIP and private flood?
Yes. Some homeowners buy private excess flood coverage above NFIP limits.
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