According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder's property) from:

1.        Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or

2.        Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or

3.        Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.; or

4.        Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.

Flood Insurance Advisors has relationships with both private and federal insurers for Flood protection. Coverage will depend on policy but to give you a basic idea the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pays for direct physical loss by or from a flood. You can insure your home for up to $250,000 for the building and up to $100,000 for the contents. You can insure your commercial property for up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents. Building coverage can include permanent items such as plumbing and electrical systems; HVAC systems; water heaters; refrigerators, stoves, and built-in dishwashers; and debris removal. Personal property coverage can include clothing, furniture, electronics, and appliances that are not permanently installed like portable microwaves and air conditioners.

Flood Insurance Advisors can get you a QUOTE fast, often times same day. 

A number of factors are considered when determining your annual flood insurance premium. These factors include:

• Flood risk (e.g., your flood zone)

• The type of coverage being purchased (e.g. building and contents coverage)

• The deductible and amount of building and contents coverage

• The location of your structure

• The design and age of your structure

• The location of your structure’s contents (e.g. Are your utilities elevated?)

This is a question of risk tolerance for most folks. Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Even if you don’t live near water, your home is still at risk of flooding from changing conditions such as construction projects, surface erosion, or natural events. If you are in a high-risk area, insurance may be mandatory. Per the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, homes and businesses, Flood Insurance is required if you carry a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender.

Just like it’s important to protect your home and belongings, it’s important to protect your business from  flood risk. We have commercial tailored policies as well.

FEMA interactive Flood maps are available at  https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps. The prospective insurer will have what Flood Zone your property address is tied to.

Unfortunately, no. Most Homeowners Policies specifically exclude Flood damage. We’d be happy to review your homeowners policy for any coverage gaps.

Hurricanes can bring on a full buffet of Flood risks and we highly recommend a Flood policy to those in Hurricane Alley. Slow moving Hurricanes with heavy rain can mean flash floods. Fast intense hurricanes with storm surge at the wrong tide can mean disaster which would be covered by a Flood policy.

However, if rain is propelled into a covered structure by wind, that is considered wind-driven rain and is not covered under your flood insurance policy. The same is true if your roof is damaged and water enters through the ceiling. That is water damage as a result of wind damage and is not covered under your flood insurance policy.

Flood Insurance Premium is not typically an available deduction on your personal taxes but a business can have a tax deductible business expense. We recommend you talk with your accountant or consult the IRS for the latest most accurate answer here.