Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
- Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage
- Flood insurance is available through the NFIP or private insurers
- Flooding can happen anywhere, not just in high-risk zones
Home insurance and flood damage
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but flood insurance can. If rising water from a storm damages your home, a separate flood policy is the only way to be fully protected.
Most homeowners don’t realize this gap exists. In fact, 67% don’t have proper coverage for natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.[1]Â
While standard policies may cover things like burst pipes or appliance leaks, they won’t help if water enters from outside, such as during a storm surge or heavy rain. That’s why flood insurance matters, even in areas with moderate or low risk.
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Do you really need flood insurance?
If you live in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender may require you to buy flood insurance. That’s because your lender wants to protect the value of your home, just like you do. Sometimes, lenders may even require it in lower-risk areas, just to be safe. Every property is in a "flood zone," however, they're all categorized by their risk level, even if that happens to be "low risk."
If your home is in a moderate- or low-risk area, flood insurance usually isn’t required. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. In fact, 40% of flood insurance claims come from homes in low- or moderate-risk zones.[2]
So even if your lender doesn’t require it, getting flood coverage could help you avoid huge repair costs if the unexpected happens.
"The more natural disasters we experience, the more insurance companies have to pay out, leading them to increase rates to recoup their losses. As a result, policyholders may see rate increases not just in states directly impacted but across the board. However, the biggest rate hikes typically occur in states hit hardest by these events."
-Johnny Hawkins, Manager and Licensed Agent at The Zebra
Will home insurance cover water damage?
Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage from flooding caused by storms, heavy rain, hurricanes, or other disasters. About 90% of natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding, too, so staying protected by adding flood insurance is generally a good idea.[4]
While traditional flooding isn’t covered, your home insurance does protect against certain types of water damage, and these are usually outlined in your policy. Common covered situations include:
- Burst pipes or plumbing malfunctions
- Damage from rain or snow entering your home
- Overflow from a broken appliance, like a water heater or sump pump
- Roof leaks that lead to water seeping into your home
- Vandalism that causes water damage
If you’re not planning to buy flood insurance but still want more peace of mind, you can often add a sewer or water backup endorsement. This gives you extra protection if water backs up into your home through drains or plumbing.
How much does standard homeowners insurance cost?
It’s natural to focus on price when shopping for homeowners insurance, but the cheapest policy isn’t always the best fit. If a quote seems unusually low, take a closer look at what’s actually covered.
To give you a general idea, we’ve gathered average rates from top insurers in each state. Just keep in mind: your cost may vary based on things like where you live, your home’s age and size, and even your claims or credit history.
The key is finding a policy that fits your budget and protects what matters most.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,000 |
| Farmers | $3,068 |
| State Farm | $3,259 |
| USAA | $3,837 |
| Nationwide | $3,886 |
Source: The Zebra
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How to get flood insurance
The majority of flood policies are written by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), though a small number of private insurance companies offer flood coverage as well. Use the menu below to learn more about the methods for buying flood insurance.
What does flood insurance actually cover?
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the most common option for homeowners, but it’s important to understand its limits. Coverage caps out at $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for belongings, which may not be enough if, for example, your home would cost $400,000 to rebuild or you have items like a backyard hot tub that aren’t covered.
NFIP policies also come with a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Some private insurers may offer higher limits and shorter or no waiting periods, depending on your situation.
✅ What flood insurance does cover (NFIP)
- Your home’s structure (up to $250,000): foundation, walls, flooring
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Water heaters and central air
- Built-in features like carpet, paneling, and window blinds
- Built-in appliances such as dishwashers and bookcases
- Your belongings (up to $100,000): furniture, clothing, electronics
- Limited coverage for valuables (up to $2,500 for jewelry, artwork, or collectibles)
- Separate deductibles apply for the building and contents [5]
🚫 What flood insurance doesn’t cover
- Temporary living expenses (like hotel stays or meals)
- Mold, mildew, or long-term moisture damage from poor maintenance
- Outdoor property: fences, decks, patios, pools, landscaping
- Vehicles and anything stored inside them
- Cash, coins, or valuable paper documents
- Damage that exceeds NFIP limits (e.g., rebuilding costs over $250,000)
How much does flood insurance cost?
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) typically costs between $400 and $1,500 per year for single-family homes. Many homeowners pay under $1,000, but costs can vary widely depending on your property and location.
That’s because FEMA’s pricing system (known as Risk Rating 2.0) looks at your home’s individual flood risk, not just your zone on a map. Your rate is based on factors like:
- How close your home is to water
- The type of flooding that could affect your area (flash floods, coastal surges, etc.)
- Your home’s structure, elevation, and rebuild cost
- Whether your home has any flood-prevention features
If you're in a low-risk area or your home is built to better withstand flooding, you may pay less. Some homeowners are still on a gradual path toward their full rate, so your current premium might increase over time, but by law, it won’t rise more than 18% per year.
Bottom line: Most people pay under $1,500, but your actual cost depends on your unique risk. You can get a quote from an agent or check your property’s flood zone using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.[6]
The NFIP is the go-to option for most homeowners, but if the value of your home and belongings surpass the limits of $250,000 and $100,000, respectively, you may need to look for excess flood coverage by way of private insurers. You have the option of carrying both NFIP and private flood insurance or choosing one private carrier for all of your flood coverage needs.
Pros and cons of private flood insurance
Private flood insurance can be a great option if you need more coverage than what the NFIP offers, especially for higher-value homes or unique properties. But like any insurance choice, it’s worth looking at both the benefits and trade-offs.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to help you decide if private flood coverage is a good fit for your needs.
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Short or no waiting period before coverage kicks in
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Higher coverage limits: Ideal for high-value homes and assets
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Replacement cost coverage for personal belongings
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Covers more: Other structures, additional living expenses, lost income
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May be cheaper than combining NFIP and private policies
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Premiums vary: No standardized pricing like NFIP
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No federal backing: It depends on the insurer’s financial stability
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May not meet lender requirements
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Coverage can be dropped: Some policies can be canceled even before a storm
Standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but a separate flood policy can. Whether through the NFIP or a private insurer, having coverage in place can protect your home and savings from the growing risk of severe weather and rising water.
Flooding doesn’t just affect high-risk areas, and coverage costs vary by location and home. If you’re unsure whether you need it, getting a quote is an easy first step.
Real help, right here.
Home insurance and floods: FAQs
Monthly user surveys via the Marble App. The Zebra
What's Your Flood Risk? Floodsmart
FEMA Flood Maps Often Miss Flash Flood Risks, Leaving Homeowners Unprepared. Insurance Journal
Spotlight on: Flood insurance. III
Simple Guide for Single-Family Homes. Floodsmart
Cost of Flood Insurance for Single-Family Homes under NFIP’s Pricing Approach. FEMA
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.