Most flood damage results from localized events such as heavy rainfall, flash flooding, or drainage failure rather than catastrophic storms. These losses typically occur in areas with specific geographic, terrain, or drainage characteristics and are evaluated using FEMA flood mapping and property-specific data.
Flood insurance is not included in a standard homeowners policy and must be purchased as a separate, stand-alone policy. Coverage is structured around mapped flood zones, elevation data, property characteristics, and lender requirements. In most cases, a 30-day waiting period applies before a new policy becomes effective.
Flood Coverage Is Not Included in Standard Homeowners Policies
Flood insurance must be purchased as a separate, stand-alone policy.
When Flood Insurance Is Required or Optional
Flood insurance requirements are driven by FEMA flood mapping, elevation data, and lender guidelines. Homes located in designated flood zones require flood insurance as a condition of financing.
For properties located outside designated flood zones, flood insurance is generally optional. In these cases, the decision is based on property-specific factors such as terrain, drainage patterns, prior loss history, and changes to surrounding land use rather than a blanket assumption of exposure.
Flood coverage is evaluated on a property-by-property basis. When appropriate, coverage is structured deliberately to align with actual risk and financing requirements.
