Flood damage can lead to serious repair costs for Florida homeowners. Many residents assume their standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers this damage. In most cases, however, it does not.
Understanding how flood damage exclusions work can help you protect your property and avoid surprises when disaster strikes.
What type of flood damage does homeowner’s insurance exclude?
A typical Florida homeowner’s insurance policy covers certain types of water damage, such as damage from burst pipes or rain that enters through a damaged roof. However, these policies usually exclude flood damage caused by rising water, storm surges or overflowing bodies of water. These events fall under a different category and require separate flood insurance coverage.
Is hurricane damage also excluded?
Flood damage exclusions also affect claims after hurricanes. For example, if storm surge floods a home, a standard policy may not cover the loss. If a windstorm damages a roof and rain enters the home, that damage may be covered, but the line between wind and water damage can create disputes with insurers. Homeowners should review their policies carefully and understand where coverage begins and ends.
How can you get coverage for flood damage?
The National Flood Insurance Program provides most of the flood insurance policies in Florida. Homeowners must purchase these policies separately. Mortgage lenders often require flood insurance for homes in high-risk flood zones. Even homes outside those zones may face flood risks during hurricanes or severe storms, so extra coverage can offer valuable protection.
Understanding flood damage exclusions helps can help you make informed decisions about protecting your property. The risk of severe weather is constant, and knowing what insurance covers—and what it does not—can protect both your home and your finance