Flood events are common—99% of counties have experienced a flood event in the past 20 years—yet most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance policies protect your home and belongings.
Where it rains, it can flood. That’s true even if you don’t live near an ocean, lake or river. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies make recovery easier. NFIP policyholders saw average claim payments of $68,000 from 2016–2021.
The NFIP offers two types of coverage: building coverage and contents coverage. Building coverage protects your home’s structure and utilities. Contents coverage protects personal belongings and appliances.
Three things determine your NFIP premium: where your property is built, how it’s built, and what it would cost to replace it. Your premium is completely unique to you and your home. If you live in a lower-risk area, you’ll pay less than someone who lives in a high-risk area for a comparable home.
Everyone lives in a community with some flood risk. It’s just a question of whether you live in a high-risk, low-risk or moderate-risk flood area. You can check NFIP and FEMA’s flood maps to learn your risk level.