Flood Insurance

Flooding is the most frequent and expensive U.S. natural disaster. Yet, it’s not typically covered through most homeowners and renter’s insurance.

More than 20% of the National Flood Insurance Program’s claims come from outside high-risk flood areas. Those who live in areas with low-to-moderate flooding risk are five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire in their home in the next 30 years. You can determine your risk using this flood map.

Checking your policy and consulting your agent to confirm that flood perils are included in your insurance can save you. Review flood insurance basics so you know how to protect your home.

Don’t have flood insurance?

FEMA Launches Direct-to-Consumer Flood Insurance Premium Quoting Tool. 

    The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is making it easier to access flood insurance pricing information by launching a direct-to-customer flood insurance quoting tool. Customers will be able to get a flood insurance policy quote for their property and be provided with local and national carrier information to assist them in purchasing their quoted policy.  This effort means customers have additional ways to learn about flood insurance and connect with companies that service flood insurance policies.

    On average, 40% of NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside high-hazard areas. That’s why it’s important to protect property with flood insurance, even if one lives in an area with low-to-moderate flood risk, as it brings peace of mind to homeowners and renters no matter where they live.

    FEMA encourages homeowners and renters nationwide to learn more about their unique flood risk by accessing the tool on Floodsmart.gov. There is no cost to receive a quote.  Over the next year, the NFIP plans to expand the tool so customers will have the option to purchase policies directly through the tool.  To learn what’s covered under an NFIP policy, visit the National Flood Insurance Program webpage.

How to Start Filing Your Claim   

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim English | Spanish 
Starting Your Recovery: FEMA’s Flood Insurance Claims Process English | Spanish 
Wind vs. Water Damage English | Spanish

Other Quick Resources about the NFIP

• Video: How to Secure Documents in Preparation for a Flood English | Spanish 
• Video: How to Document Damage English | Spanish
• Flyer: How to Start a Flood Insurance Claim Flyer English | Spanish
• Flyer: Identifying Your Advocates After a Flood English| Spanish 

Read More

Whether you’re a renter or a property owner, take a moment to consider adding flood insurance to your financial safety net. Bottom line: basic home and renters policies don’t cover flood repairs, but you can fill that protection gap. Not sure if you have flood risk? Take this quiz.

Home insurance prices are at an all-time high in many parts of the US today, but protecting your assets is still so important. If you’re not in a high flood risk area, adding that protection won’t be a budget buster. If you have an NFIP policy but are considering dropping it, make an informed decision before you do. The fact is – all states have some flood risk.

Flood insurance details:

• You can add flood coverage through a private flood insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program.
• There will be a waiting period from the date you buy it to the date it kicks in. (30 days for an NFIP policy).
• Flood insurance can be very affordable, depending on your location.
• Use this link to learn about your area’s flood risk, contact an insurance agent or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.
• If you have a mortgage and your home is in a Special Hazard Flood Zone, your lender will require flood insurance.
• An NFIP policy provides $250,000 max to repair flood damage to your home.
• An NFIP policy provides $100,000 max for belongings but not automatically. You have to ask for and pay for this additional coverage.
• An NFIP policy will NOT cover temporary rent if your home is uninhabitable after a flood. Most private flood policies cover that expense.

Contact your insurance agent or company and ask:

• How much will it cost to insure my home and belongings for flood damage?
• Can you help me compare the cost, coverages, and options in an NFIP versus adding coverage to my existing policy through a “flood endorsement” or private flood insurer?
• Would a flood rider or endorsement give me more than $250,000 in coverage? Will it cover temporary rent?

Pennsylvanians impacted by flooding should visit PID’s website for resources that can help guide property owners through filing insurance claims, and tips to avoid repair scams. More information on the NFIP and private flood insurance is available on the Insurance Department’s one-stop Flood Insurance page, and more information on guidance following a severe weather event can be found on the Disaster Recovery resource page.

Consumers with questions or wishing to file a complaint can contact PID’s Consumer Services Bureau by visiting its webpage, or by calling 1-877-881-6388.