Skip to main content
Flood

Flood

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are the most common, and most costly, natural disaster. You do not have to be in a flood zone to experience a flood. You may not know that flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. You may be able to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. You may also wish to purchase endorsements which will offer limited coverages for water or sewer back-up. It is important to discuss these options with your insurance agent or your insurance company.

To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov to locate an agent, file a claim, and find other flood related resources. Additional information is also available in the National Flood Insurance Program Summary of Coverage.

What to Do if You Have Water Damage

  • Contact your insurance company’s claims hotline and/or your agent to report your claim. Have your policy number and other relevant information readily available.
  • When contacting your insurance company, be sure to communicate that you have experienced water damage and are looking to determine what coverage you have available. Do not simply state that your damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as a sewer backup or failing sump pump that may be covered under your policy.
  • Take steps to protect your property and prevent further loss.
  • Document your loss.  Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until the insurance company instructs you to remove the items.  

How Much Could a Flood Cost You

All it takes is a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and the contents within. As illustrated below, one inch of water could cost a homeowner $10,000 or more to repair the damage. 

How much per item per how much water.

Type of Item(s)
1 inch
of water		 Estimated Cost
6 inches
of water
1 foot
of water
Accent Furniture & Accessories  $          70.00  $       250.00  $       250.00
Appliances  $          70.00  $         90.00  $    2,200.00
Bedroom Furniture  $        150.00  $       950.00  $    2,900.00
Cleaning  $        850.00  $    1,000.00  $    1,300.00
Computer Accessories  $          40.00  $       600.00  $       600.00
Dining Room Table & Chairs  $        100.00  $       900.00  $       900.00
Doors & Base Trim & Windows  $        450.00  $    1,100.00  $    1,100.00
Electrical & Plumbing  $        150.00  $       150.00  $       900.00
Finished Floor-Wood-Carpet  $    7,900.00  $    7,900.00  $    7,900.00
Interior Wall Finishes  $                 -    $    1,000.00  $    1,000.00
Kitchen & Bath Cabinets  $          50.00  $    2,400.00  $    2,400.00
Kitchen Ware & Food  $          50.00  $       150.00  $       400.00
Living Room Furniture  $        250.00  $    1,400.00  $    1,400.00
Loss of Personal Items  $        250.00  $       350.00  $    1,300.00
Repairs to Furnace/AC  $        150.00  $       250.00  $       450.00
Television-DVD-Stereo-Etc.  $                 -    $         80.00  $       150.00
Wall Insulation, Drywall or Paneling  $                 -    $    1,500.00  $    1,500.00
Washer/Dryer  $          70.00  $         80.00  $       500.00
Total Loss  $  10,600.00  $  20,150.00  $  27,150.00

 

These estimated costs are based on an average U.S. home of 1,000 square feet, built on a slab and with typical household items. Estimates are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to estimate any actual flood loss. A flood certified insurance adjuster making a room-by-room item-by-item, detailed estimate of covered flood damage is the only estimating method approved by and acceptable to the National Flood Insurance Program. You can use the cost of flooding calculator at www.floodsmart.gov to estimate your costs. 

If your coverage is issued through the National Flood Insurance Program you should contact www.floodsmart.gov and review the National Flood Insurance Program Summary of Coverage for further information.

Additional Resources