Flood Insurance · Florida
Flood Insurance
Up to $250,000
Coverage for the physical structure of your home.
Up to $100,000
Coverage for your belongings inside the home.
Waiting Period Applies
Coverage does not take effect immediately — buy before a storm threat approaches.
Protect your home from damage caused by flooding with a separate insurance policy for flood-related damage and loss. It is a common misconception that a standard homeowners insurance policy may help pay for damage caused by flooding. Flooding is typically not included in homeowners or renters insurance and cannot be purchased as an endorsement on your homeowners insurance policy.
For flood-related protection, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy from an insurance company associated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance programs are generally overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while participating insurance companies make these policies available and may help explain available coverage options.
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. A flood insurance policy may help cover your home and your belongings within it. You are eligible to purchase flood insurance if your city or community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP includes participating communities across the country that adopt and follow flood management regulations.
Should You Get Flood Insurance In Florida?
Flood insurance may be worth considering if you are a new homeowner moving to a flood-prone area in Florida. Flood insurance may be required for certain federally backed mortgages in high-risk flood areas. Those living in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program in Florida may also benefit from purchasing flood insurance.
Flooding can happen outside of high-risk flood zones, especially during heavy rainstorms or hurricanes, which may cause extensive property damage. FEMA notes that a significant portion of the nation’s total flood insurance claims are from low-to-moderate flood risk areas. A flood insurance policy can provide added financial protection for your home and your belongings after a covered event, even if you are a resident of a low-to-moderate risk area in Florida.
Purchasing Flood Insurance
To buy flood insurance in Fort Lauderdale and other areas in Florida, contact one of our homeowners insurance agents for guidance on available flood insurance options. Our agents will help you explore the different options for flood insurance and guide you in reviewing the policies based on your property and needs. In some cases, having policies through the same company may make the process more convenient.
You may contact the NFIP Telephone Response Center for additional guidance on flood insurance.
Coverage And Cost Of Flood Insurance
A flood insurance policy may help cover both the structure and belongings inside your home with coverage limits of up to $250,000 for the physical building and up to $100,000 for belongings.
It is important to note that flood insurance does not cover every type of damage. For instance, basement damage after a flood may be covered to some extent. Not all types of damage are covered under this policy unless they result directly from a flood. Sewer backups, for example, may not be covered if the damage was not caused directly by a flood.
Premiums vary based on factors such as location, flood risk, property details, coverage limits, and deductible choices.
Key Information Regarding Flood Insurance
Here are some key details to keep in mind about flood insurance:
- Flood insurance can be purchased at any time by residents of NFIP communities, but coverage does not take effect immediately. A waiting period applies, so it is important to buy coverage before a storm or flood threat is already approaching.
- Residents of communities at high risk of flooding can still purchase flood insurance as long as the area is an NFIP participant.
- Flooding from wind-driven rain and hail damage is not covered under flood insurance, but your homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage in these instances.
- Some types of basement damage from flooding are covered under flood insurance, depending on the policy. Keep in mind that a standard flood insurance policy will typically cover furnaces, hot water heaters, foundation elements, stairways, appliances, and oil or natural gas tanks in basement areas. However, it may not cover finished areas, including finished walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as personal belongings in basement areas.
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