Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

Usually not. FloodSmart says most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and only flood insurance pays to rebuild after a flood. The NFIP offers up to $250,000 of building coverage and up to $100,000 of contents coverage for homeowners. Policies are sold through more than 48 insurance companies and many independent agents at the same NFIP prices. Any homeowner in a community that participates in the NFIP can buy a policy. FloodSmart notes that nearly 29% of NFIP claims come from outside high-risk zones. Lenders can require flood insurance even outside mapped high-risk areas. Private flood policies also exist and are sold by agents.

Sources

• FloodSmartFEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• Buy a Flood Insurance PolicyFEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• EligibilityFEMA National Flood Insurance Program