What is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance offers money for water-related damage to residential and commercial properties. Homeowners and business people can insure their real estate with this type of insurance plan. In some cases, this insurance also covers damage that results from accidents involving water lines, storage tanks and other infrastructure that holds liquids.

Who it is For

This insurance appeals to people who live near large bodies of water that are likely to get flooded. Homes along oceans, lakes and rivers are considered to be at a high risk of flooding. Even properties near creeks and streams can get heavily flooded during strong precipitation. Individuals who lease or own real estate are entitled to buy an insurance against floods.

How it Works

Before a property can be insured, it has to be evaluated for risk factors that are related to flooding. For example, insurance agencies carefully consider the geography and topography of a home or building that is going to be insured against a flood. The physical condition of a property in question also has to be considered before such an insurance is validated. Insurance companies often dispatch inspectors to precisely determine the extent of the damage that might occur to an insured home during a flooding event.

Different Types of Coverage in Existence

This insurance provides funds to repair and restore parts of a home that have been directly damaged by water. However, a flooding event has to be confirmed by a local municipal agency and weather station in order for policy holders to file a claim. Personal valuables such as electronics and furniture could be insured against water damage. Additionally, this insurance could be used to pay for the removal of mold and mildew that results from heavy flooding in basements and lower levels.

Major Benefits

Living in a waterfront location comes with a risk of flooding. Fortunately, this type of insurance creates peace of mind and financial security for individuals who reside within close proximity to oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. With such coverage, it’s possible to completely restore any area of a flooded home or building.