Does Homeowners Insurance Include Damage Restoration Coverage Due To Flood?

Far too often, homeowners sign up for an insurance policy without fully understanding all of the terms and conditions. As a result, they often find themselves unsure of what events are covered by their specific policy.

For example, many people often don’t realize that flood damage restoration isn't usually covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. This can come as quite a shock–and an expensive one at that!

To avoid any surprises down the road, it’s important that homeowners take the time to understand what is and isn’t covered. While it might be confusing at first, this guide from Superior Cleaning & Restoration can help clear things up. Their experienced professionals assist with insurance claims, so homeowners should keep reading to learn more about how to get coverage for their flood damage restoration.

Flood Damage vs. Water Damage

As mentioned, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover any restoration services for damage caused by flooding. However, they will cover water damage. For that reason, it’s important to understand the difference between the two classifications.

Flood Damage

An insurance company usually classified flood damage as any loss caused by a natural flooding event. This means that the water usually comes from an unavoidable natural disaster, which could include a hurricane, flash flood, or rising water levels. There are cases where an insurance company may also classify a sump pump failure as flood damage.

Water Damage

On the other hand, insurance providers usually consider water damage to be an event caused by a source within the home. Some examples of water damage include leaking appliances, plumbing, roofs, and air conditioners. Usually, these events are covered by insurance, but there are some exceptions, such as ongoing leaks or damage that the homeowners could have prevented.

These are just some general guidelines. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance company to find out more about their classifications and the type of insurance coverage that they offer.

Is Flood Damage Restoration Caused by Rain Covered? 

Knowing that flood damage is usually caused by natural disasters, it would make sense that rain damage would not be covered. However, it’s one of those gray areas of homeowners insurance. In some cases, it can be classified as flood damage if the rain is heavy enough to cause a flooding event. When this happens, insurance companies typically won’t cover the flood damage restoration.

If the rain is less severe and doesn’t cause a flood, it may be covered by insurance. For example, any loss caused by a roof leak can be categorized as storm damage instead of water or flood. Fortunately, most policies cover storm damage repairs.

Can Homeowners Add Insurance for Flood Damage Restoration?

Even though flood damage restoration isn’t covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, it is possible to get additional coverage. Homeowners can contact their agent or insurance company to learn more about their flood insurance options. 

It’s important to note that this is a completely different policy that is designed to provide protection to buildings impacted by flooding events. Though it could cover some rain damage, the main purpose is to provide coverage for losses caused by ocean water, hurricanes, flash floods, overflown lakes, and other water-related natural disasters. 

Since some areas are more prone to flooding than others, homeowners may actually be required to take out flood insurance. Even if homeowners live in an area that doesn’t typically flood, it may be a good idea if there is any risk at all. Homeowners can refer to FEMA Flood Maps to see the risk of flooding in their area.

What Does Flood Insurance Exclude?

Flood insurance provides excellent coverage for buildings and the contents inside. However, there are limitations, just as there would be with any other insurance policy. Homeowners should not be expected to receive any reimbursement for financial loss due to interruption to their business. The policy usually won’t cover additional living expenses either.

The coverage is also limited to the building that is listed on the policy. That means that homeowners won’t get reimbursed for other structures or features on their property, such as:

• Fences
• Swimming Pools
• Hot Tubs
• Outdoor Kitchens
• Fences
• Wells
• Septic Systems

Find out More About How to File a Claim for a Flood Damage Restoration

Homeowners in need of a flood damage restoration don’t have to worry about navigating the complexities of an insurance claim on their own. If insurance coverage is available, Superior Cleaning & Restoration can help customers get the coverage they deserve by handling the entire claims process from start to finish. 

Homeowners are encouraged to call right away to find out more about these services. They can also submit the company’s online form to request a free quote for their flood cleanup services.