What Is Covered by Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance provides very valuable financial support when there is an unexpected flood. A simple flood can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Most often, if you live in a flood zone, you will need to purchase flood insurance because your mortgage lender will require it (and it tends to be a wise investment). Flood insurance is a policy separate from the standard homeowner’s insurance, and therefore, it should provide ample protection to you. What is covered by flood insurance? Learn more in today’s blog from our experienced San Diego insurance law attorneys at Dawson & Rosenthal, P.C.
What Flood Insurance Typically Covers
Though flood insurance policies can be written in various ways, most policies cover the following:
- Electrical, plumbing, and other essential systems damaged by the flood
- Removal of damaged materials
- Appliances damaged by flooding
- Personal property damaged by flooding, including electronics, clothing, and furnishings
- Drywall, paneling, and other structural components of the home damaged by flooding
Typically, a flood insurance policy will cover the home itself as well as an attached garage and, if named in the policy, any outbuildings present.
Flooding is typically covered in situations where there is damage to your personal property or building brought on specifically by the flood. This may be due to a sewer backup or flooding from a storm surge. It may cover flooding brought on by heavy rainfall, hurricane damage, or other instances of water entering the home.
What Does Flood Insurance Not Cover?
Flood insurance typically covers only damage brought on by the actual flood, not any type of compounding event. For example, a flood that is not cleaned up fully, fast enough, or property can cause mild or mold to develop. However, policies do not typically cover those losses.
Flood insurance typically does not cover:
- Your car
- Any temporary housing you need to live in when you cannot remain on your property
- Damage caused by earth movement, for example, if rain causes a mudslide into your home
- Any moisture, mildew, or mold buildup
- Septic tanks, pools, or decks
Keep in mind that most flood insurance policies also have a 30-day waiting period. That means if you are expected to suffer a storm in the coming days due to a predictable hurricane, your policy is not likely to be in place soon enough to cover your damages.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
If you are involved in a flood and believe that your flood insurance should cover your loss, you may be surprised to learn about a denial of coverage. However, some insurance companies may act in bad faith, not providing fair compensation for the losses you suffered. In this situation, it is critical to seek out legal guidance and support.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Team Now
At Dawson & Rosenthal, P.C., we work hard for clients who are being treated poorly by insurance companies. If you have experienced a denial of coverage or are asking what is covered by flood insurance because your policy has denied you this valuable coverage, contact us. Let our legal team provide a free consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients in Southern California and Arizona.