Insurance, explained

Flood and homeowners insurance: what is different?

Protecting a home can take more than one policy.

The quick answer

Standard homeowners insurance generally excludes flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate coverage conversation with its own building and contents limits, exclusions, deductibles and effective-date rules.

Understand the source of water

Flood, a burst pipe, sewer backup and seepage are different events. A policy may treat each differently. Ask what is covered and what requires an endorsement or separate policy.

Check building and contents separately

A flood policy’s building coverage and contents coverage may have separate limits and settlement terms. Review both.

Plan ahead of the effective date

Some flood policies have waiting periods or exceptions. Ask when protection can start; do not assume it begins as soon as you request a quote.

Use official property information

Visit FloodSmart and FEMA resources to learn about flood insurance and maps. A map designation is one input, not a guarantee that a property cannot flood.