Yes, floods do happen.

Especially in areas where the land is barely above sea level, features large coastal areas, near rivers or streams and where there’s a lot of rain. Sounds quite a bit like Florida to us!

So what’s the difference between a flood claim and a water damage claim?

It pretty much comes down to where the water came from. A flood claim comes from a natural source and is a natural event, (like rain, storm surge, an overflowing river) with two or more properties involved.

Let’s look at what flood insurance typically covers:

• Appliances
  (refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers)
• Heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing
• Window treatments and carpets
• Detached garage
• Foundation and walls
• Personal liability
  (clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment)

So what does flood insurance not cover?

• Mold, mildew, or moisture
  (damage that could have been prevented by homeowner)
• Property outside
  (pools, patios, fences, septic systems)
• Additional living expenses if home can't be lived in
• Currency or precious metals
• Cars and vehicles
• Earth movements caused by floods

It’s important not to wait till the last minute to purchase flood insurance!

Don’t wait to purchase flood insurance when the weather service calls for historic rainfall or the possibility of flooding. That’s because most flood insurance policies require a 30-day wait period before the policy takes effect!