For homeowners
It is the single largest gap in a standard homeowners policy, and it is excluded explicitly rather than by accident.
Close the flood gapProperty address and flood zone
Year built
Elevation certificate if you have one
Estimated contents value
It is a deliberate exclusion, not an oversight.
Standard homeowners policies exclude rising water because the exposure is concentrated. A single flood event affects an entire region at once, which is not a risk a homeowners carrier can spread across its book.
That is why flood is sold separately, either through the federal program or through private carriers who model the risk themselves.
The practical consequence is that a homeowner with an excellent policy can still lose everything to a flood and be paid nothing. It is the gap people discover only after the loss.
Foundation, walls, roof, and the built-in systems like electrical and plumbing.
Furniture, appliances, clothing and personal property. Usually a separate limit.
Limited, and what is covered is narrower than most people expect.
Available on private flood policies, not through the NFIP.
Generally yes if it results from flooding. A plumbing failure inside the home is a homeowners claim, not a flood claim.
The NFIP does not cover loss of use, and basement coverage is limited to specific items like the furnace and water heater.
Yes. If you rent, contents-only coverage is usually the right answer.
Secure form, about 2 minutes. A licensed specialist compares available options and follows up promptly.
Step 1 of 3 · Property
Basement: a full or walkout basement, finished or unfinished. A walkout opens at grade level on at least one side.
Crawl space: a shallow space under the living area, above or below grade.
Slab: the building sits directly on a concrete slab with no space beneath. On grade means the slab is at ground level. On fill means the ground was built up first.
Elevated: the lowest floor is raised above ground level, over a garage, with an enclosure, or with open space beneath. How the space beneath is enclosed changes the rate materially, which is why the distinction is asked.
