Flood Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Damage
Flood Insurance Basics
Flood insurance is designed to cover damage caused by rising water from natural sources, like storm surges, overflowing rivers, or heavy rainfall. It is usually purchased separately from standard homeowners insurance, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers.
What Flood Insurance Covers During Hurricanes
When a hurricane causes flooding, flood insurance typically covers:
- Structural damage to the home, including walls, foundation, and electrical systems.
- Personal property inside the home, like furniture, appliances, and clothing, is covered if contents coverage is included.
- This protection applies whether the flooding is from storm surge, heavy rain, or coastal flooding triggered by the hurricane.
What Flood Insurance Does Not Cover
It’s important to note that flood insurance doesn't cover all hurricane-related damage. For example:
- Wind damage or roof damage caused by hurricane-force winds would fall under homeowners' insurance, not flood insurance.
- Temporary living expenses (like hotel stays while your home is uninhabitable) are not covered under standard NFIP flood policies.
- Outdoor property, such as landscaping, fences, and decks, is generally excluded.
Combining Flood and Homeowners Insurance
To be fully protected from hurricanes, homeowners often need both flood insurance and homeowners' insurance. Homeowners insurance will handle wind, hail, and debris damage, while flood insurance covers water damage from flooding. Without both policies, gaps in coverage could leave you responsible for significant repair costs after a storm.
Conclusion
Flood insurance does cover hurricane-related flooding, but not all the destruction a hurricane can cause. To ensure comprehensive protection, homeowners in hurricane-prone areas—especially in Texas and along the Gulf Coast—should maintain both flood and homeowners insurance policies.