Flood Insurance: Does It Cover Storm Surges?

May 1, 2023
A massive, crashing ocean wave hits a stone pier under a dark, stormy sky, with text asking about flood insurance coverage.

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Flood insurance is a type of insurance that focuses on the damages and losses caused by flooding. The insurance policy accommodates residential properties. Flooding is destructive, and being unprepared can result in property damage. This insurance type may be helpful for people living in lowlands, floodplains, and areas prone to flooding.

Coverage of flood insurance

This covers both building property and the personal belongings of the holder. The insurance accommodates damages caused by the flood.


Building Property Coverage

Building properties include items that are inside the building and the foundation of the lodging, such as:


  • Building foundation
  • Electrical wirings
  • Plumbing system
  • Appliances
  • Permanently installed items
  • Garage
  • Window curtains and blinds

Personal Belonging Coverage

Personal belongings are items owned by the policyholder that were damaged during the flood, such as:


  • Carpets and rugs
  • Clothes
  • Electronics and gadgets
  • Furniture
  • Portable items

What does flood insurance not cover?

There are situations that flood insurance does not cover. If the flooding were caused by internal damage and low-lying locations, it wouldn’t be included in the insurance policy. Outside properties may not be covered as well.


Internal Damage

When the flooding is caused by internal damage or within the home, such as having busted or damaged pipes, it is more likely covered by the home insurance policy.


Low-lying Locations

Low-lying locations like the basement may not be covered entirely by the flood insurance policy except for the drywalls and electricity. The policy may not also cover personal items in the basement except washing machines and freezers.


Outside Properties

Outside properties are items or premises outside the lodging.


  • Vehicles
  • Fences
  • Swimming pool
  • Septic system

Does flood insurance cover a storm surge?

Storm surge is when the seawater level rises during a storm, usually a hurricane. As it can also cause flooding, which flood insurance policies typically consider similar to common flooding. Storm surge losses and damages may be covered by flood insurance.


Conclusion

One sort of insurance that focuses on the losses and damages brought on by floods is called flood insurance. This type of insurance policy may not cover flooding if it results from interior damage, is in low-lying areas, or resides outside. Flood insurance could provide coverage for storm surge losses and damages.


At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we do our best to make sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!

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