What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance is typically an optional type of property insurance that can help protect your home against damage caused by flooding. However, in some cases, your mortgage provider may mandate that you carry it.
Most people think you only need this coverage when you live near water, but you don’t have to have a home along the coast or near a river to need it. Even areas considered at lower risk can be vulnerable to flooding due to many other conditions that can cause it, like poor drainage systems, rapid rainfall accumulations, seasonal snow-melting or even construction run-offs.
3 Flood Insurance Success Stories
Where it can rain, it can flood. It only takes one bad rain, but you can protect what you’ve built with flood insurance.1
7 Tips to Help Protect Your Property From a Flood
After heavy rainfall, the excess water can cause nearby bodies of water like lakes, streams and rivers to overflow, causing flooding that results in property damage. Flooding can happen anywhere and at any time, so it’s important to always be prepared.
Rearrange Downspouts
Downspouts should carry water several feet away from your property to a well-drained area.
Secure Fuel Tanks
Anchor fuel tanks in basements and outside properties. An unanchored fuel tank can be torn free by floodwater and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An outside fuel tank can be swept downstream and damage other property.
Check Your Sump Pump
Perform a checkup on your sump pump, if you have one. Examine and clean it, then pour the water into the pit to make sure the discharge hose carries it away from your property to a well-drained area. Be sure the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains well.
Check All Electrical Components
Measure the height of electrical components such as switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring to make sure they are 12 inches above the flood line. If you need to make changes, contact a licensed electrician.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice your flood evacuation with your family. Plan a route that everyone knows and practice taking it. Identify an out-of-state relative or family friend to contact in case your family is separated during a serious flood, and make sure everyone in the family knows their contact details.
Elevate
Your furnace, water heater, washer and dryer should all be 12 inches from your basement floor. To raise them to this level, place them on top of masonry blocks, concrete, or pressure-treated lumber.
Tighten Window Wells
Make sure window wells at ground level are watertight. Window covers that can be bolted in place are most effective in keeping water out.
Consider flood insurance to protect your home if:
- You live in a cold climate where the ground freezes and snow accumulates. In settings like this, the ground closest to your house thaws first and melted snow can saturate the unfrozen ground nearby and spill into your basement.2
- You’re at risk for wildfires. These disasters can scorch the land around your home and destroy all vegetation. In the year following, the lack of vegetation can lead to flash flooding and mudflows during rainy seasons which can ruin your home.3
- The area you’re living in experiences long cold spells that cause rivers to freeze. If the water level rises or a thaw breaks the ice into big chunks, those chunks of ice could end up creating a dam, resulting in flooding.2
Don’t assume that disasters like these won’t happen to your home. Landscapes and weather patterns are constantly changing and this can result in unexpected flooding. Some areas are even more likely to experience flood damage than they are to suffer fire damage.4 To learn more, contact an insurance agent from The Hartford.
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Even though this essential extra layer of protection is optional, it’s still important and can be purchased as an additional coverage.
Flood insurance rates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are established by the federal government. As a result, all companies that provide NFIP policies will use these same rates to determine your cost for coverage. Quotes given for flood insurance are based on your geographic location, the flood risks associated with area in which you live, and construction details specific to your home.
Since rates are the same, additional value comes in choosing a company that provides exceptional service.
The Hartford's Flood Insurance Plan features specialists ready to answer your questions and provide you with a fast, personalized quote. If you choose to purchase flood insurance coverage through this program, you can rely on our highly rated customer service team to support your flood insurance policy needs. Should you need to report a flood claim, you can reach us anytime through our 24-hour Claims Hotline.
Most communities are part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and as long as yours is, you can receive coverage. Get a quote and learn how The Hartford's Flood Insurance Plan can protect your home.
Are You an AARP Member Seeking a Flood Insurance Quote?
The Hartford offers National Flood Insurance Program coverage to AARP members.
Get a quote quickly and easily by getting a quote online or calling 800-296-7542 to speak with one of our flood insurance specialists. We’re eager to answer your questions and assist you in getting the kind of flood coverage you need.
- Be Prepared: Make an Emergency Plan
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FAQs: Get Answers on How to Buy Flood Insurance and Why You Need It
- Learn more: FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program
Calculate How Much a Flood Can Cost You
Flooding can cause significant damage. According to FEMA estimates, just 1 inch of water can cause up to $25,000 of damage to your home.5 Whether it's structural damage or the destruction of personal belongings, the costs associated with flood damage can quickly add up. Visit FEMA's website to access a tool to estimate how much a flood could cost you and to learn more about how flood insurance can help you recover faster and more fully after a flood.
Find Out More About Flood Insurance
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Last Updated: September 20, 2024
All policies are written subject to the National Flood Insurance Program.
1 The Hartford's use of this video on this site does not state or imply the endorsement by FEMA or by any FEMA employee of The Hartford's products, services or activities.
2 FEMA.gov, “Winter Flood Risk.”
3 FEMA.gov, “Flood After Fire.”
4 FEMA.gov, “How Can I Review A Flood Map That Is Being Updated?”
5 FEMA.gov, “Big Cost of Flooding.” Estimates based on national FEMA flood loss tables of cash value loss.
The Hartford is a participant in the federal Write Your Own (WYO) Program, part of the National Flood Insurance Program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). WYO flood policies are underwritten by the federal government and issued, sold, and administered by authorized private insurance companies, including Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest and Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. Accordingly, Hartford WYO flood policies are written subject to the rules, regulations, terms, conditions, and availability of the National Flood Insurance Program.
This site outlines in general terms the coverages and services that may be afforded under a Hartford WYO flood policy. All policies must be examined carefully to determine suitability for your needs and to identify any exclusions, limitations or any other terms and conditions that may specifically affect coverage. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the policy prevail. All coverages and services described in this page may be offered by one or more of the property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
This site outlines in general terms the coverages and services that may be afforded under a Hartford WYO flood policy. All policies must be examined carefully to determine suitability for your needs and to identify any exclusions, limitations or any other terms and conditions that may specifically affect coverage. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the policy prevail. All coverages and services described in this page may be offered by one or more of the property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
Additional disclosures below.