Flood Insurance
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You don’t have to live near a body of water to be at risk for flooding — it can happen anywhere it rains. Even historically dry areas have been known to flood without warning. So it may not be a matter of whether you need flood insurance coverage, but how much and what kind.
Ask your local Farmers agent to run a “flood zone determination” on your property. The federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has established two types of zones:
- High risk: Homes in these areas are more likely to be damaged by flood. The government requires homeowners to have flood coverage when they have loans from federally regulated or insured lenders.
- Low-to-moderate risk: Flood insurance coverage isn’t required in these areas, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t desirable. Low-to-moderate risk zones account for 25% of all flood insurance claims, and receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding.
There are two basic kinds of flood insurance policies:
Standard Risk
Covers properties in high-risk zones, as determined by the NFIP.
Preferred Risk
Provides coverage in low-to-moderate risk zones at a reduced cost.
Coverage limits are based on the value of the building and its contents, subject to limits established by the NFIP:
Property Type
Building
Contents
Residential
$250,000
$100,000
Nonresidential/
Commercial
$500,000
$500,000
Property Type
Residential
Building
$250,000
Contents
$100,000
Property Type
Nonresidential/
Commercial
Building
$500,000
Contents
$500,000
What does Flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance covers direct physical loss to your building and its contents caused by flooding
Building property coverage includes:
- Building and foundation
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
- Refrigerators, stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
- Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets
- Window blinds
- Detached garages, up to 10% of building property coverage
Contents coverage includes:
- Personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Portable air conditioners
- Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
- Carpets not permanently installed over unfinished flooring
- Washers and dryers
- Freezers and food contents
- Valuable items such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500
- Replacement cost coverage is not available for personal property
Other flood insurance coverages includes:
- Debris removal at federal minimum wage, not subject to deductible
- Loss avoidance measures, $1,000 limit, no deductible
- Increased cost of compliance — flood-proofing, relocation, elevation and demolition, subject to limitations and qualifying criteria
Getting Flood insurance
Flood insurance is available in all 50 states to communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Your Farmers agent can provide full details on your eligibility and coverage options. Contact an agent for information on our flood insurance rates and get a free quote today.
Talk to a Farmers® agent about insurance for your home.
Learn about all the options and potential discounts so you can choose the coverage you want.