By Aaron J. Farmer
What Does Flood Insurance Not Cover?
Flood insurance is a lifesaver for water woes, but it’s not a catch-all—leaving some nasty surprises if you’re not clued in on the gaps, like finding out your ‘man cave’ is on its own.
Short answer: Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), it skips outdoor stuff like pools, decks, fences, trees, and wells; basement personal items below ground (except appliances like furnaces); mold or mildew you could’ve prevented; currency, precious metals, or important papers; cars and other vehicles; living expenses during repairs; and non-flood issues like sewer backups or earth movement. Private policies might plug some holes but often mirror these exclusions.
The snag: Assume it’s all-inclusive, and a flood could leave you mopping up uncovered losses—think $10,000+ for a ruined car or mold cleanup. Basements get hit hard since most contents aren’t protected, and skipping add-ons means no help for hotel stays while your home dries out. Most private carriers DO offer loss of use coverage, which helps with expenses when you are unable to occupy your residence due to a flood event. For landlords, it could be loss of rents.
How to make it happen: Dive into your policy details (NFIP’s standard form lists exclusions clearly), then chat with an agent about private options or riders for extras like basement boosts or living expenses. Inventory valuables and review your policies exclusions.
Pro tip with a chuckle: It’s like a raincoat with holes—great for the basics, but don’t blame it when your socks get soaked in the fine print.
Gaps got you worried? Hit us up for a free policy review and shore up your coverage before the next storm. It’s what we do.
