Emergency Water Damage Restoration- What Does Your Flood Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowner’s policy does not cover emergency water damage restoration caused by floods. You need special flood insurance for that. It is also important to understand that flood insurance policies have limitations. You will only get as much as you signed up for. Additionally you may have a deductible which means that a certain percentage of expenses will have to be borne by you.

Here’s what you should know about flood insurance.

Flood insurance coverage availability and limits

Flood insurance is catastrophic insurance. Coverage is limited. Residential buildings can typically only receive up to $250,000 in coverage and non-residential buildings only $500,000. Contents within the home are also usually limited for up to $100,000 for residential ($500,000 for non-residential) locations.

What does a standard flood insurance policy typically cover?

-Flood debris cleanup

-Structural damage to walls, stairways, ceilings, floors

-Household appliances damaged by floodwater i.e. refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, circuit breaker boxes, washers/dryers

-Wall-to-wall carpeting, tile and other flooring surfaces

What is not usually included in your flood insurance?

-Most buildings located entirely over water like a boat house

-Structures other than the buildings like fences, retaining walls, swimming pools, underground structures

-Structures located outside the building such as walkways, decks, driveways and patios

What can contents coverage include?

Contents are not automatically included. If you want contents coverage a specific amount must be named. A separate premium is charged, although it need not be a separate policy. This would normally cover:

-Furniture e.g. beds, couches, dressers, entertainment centers, tables

-Clothing, shoes and accessories

-Jewelry

Replacement cost versus actual cash value

-Replacement cost coverage (which pays to replace or restore structure items) is only offered on a limited basis, and only for your principal residence. To receive replacement cost coverage on the structure, you must be insured for at least 80% of the building's replacement cost at the time of the loss or the maximum amount of coverage available, whichever is less. 

-Contents losses on the other hand are always adjusted on an actual cash value basis. This means that you only receive what the item was worth as of day of the loss. Your building loss would also be handled this way unless you qualified for replacement cost coverage.

The main purpose of flood insurance is not to restore your home to its original condition, just to get you back on your feet! But every little bit helps.

Water damage repairs can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Buy flood insurance to protect yourself from one of the most common natural disasters. And get a certified emergency water damage restoration service to help expedite your claims and ensure a proper and thorough job.

About the Author

This article is authored by the content management team at CPR Certified Priority Restoration. Our company has over 35 years of industry experience. When faced with a disaster our emergency response technicians can reach you in 30 minutes or less. We are also insurance-approved and can deal directly with your insurance company (including taking care of 100% billing) Contact us for certified emergency water damage restoration services in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

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