Tampa, Florida Flood Insurance
Did you know the highest ranked natural disaster in the United States, according to FEMA, is flooding? Many homeowners in Florida are surprised to learn their homeowner's insurance policies don’t cover flooding events. That’s right: Most homeowners policies won’t cover flood damage.
This fact puts residents along or near Florida’s Gulf Coast in a difficult position. For coastal residents and others who live in flood-prone areas, proper flood coverage isn’t optional—it’s an absolute must.
How Does Typical Homeowners' Insurance Define ‘Flooding?’
If a pipe in your home busted and flooded your floor, would it be considered a “flooding event” and thus, not reimbursed by your homeowner’s policy? Or would it be covered?
If you answered, “Yes, this event should be covered under my home insurance policy” (or something similar), you’re correct. A typical homeowners insurance policy would likely cover a flooded floor or other water damage to the home caused by a busted pipe (or even a malfunctioning appliance).
What kinds of events are classified as “flooding” and are thus not covered under a standard home insurance policy? Obviously, a heavy rainfall event wherein water rose into your home would be considered flooding.
However, other kinds of damage classified as “flood damage” under standard home insurance and flood insurance policies aren’t quite so obvious. In other words, your house doesn’t need to flood with rainwater to sustain “flood damage.” As specified in typical homeowners and flood insurance policies, flood damage also includes:
It’s a guarantee that your existing home insurance (or any home policy you’re considering for purchase) won’t cover the above events.
Where Can I Buy Flood Insurance in Florida?
The overwhelming majority of flood insurance policies across the US—including in Florida—are sold under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To purchase FEMA flood insurance, you must go through an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency. WhitCo Insurance has proudly sold flood insurance through NFIP for many years.
What Type of Florida Flood Insurance Do I Need?
Our dedicated Flood Team at WhitCo Insurance will work with you to determine the Flood Zone your Home is located in and explain ways that you may be able to lower your cost of Flood Insurance. We can determine the correct amount of coverage for your property and provide options from multiple Flood Insurance Companies in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida.
NFIP flood insurance policies come in two types:
Standard Flood Insurance
These policies are designed for residents who live in communities with an active and ongoing flood management plan. Such communities must also demonstrate that they have enacted certain NFIP guidelines to reduce flood-based damages.
Preferred Risk Flood Insurance
These flood policies are designed for residents living in low-to-moderate risk zones. Such residents aren’t necessarily required to purchase flood insurance but have this option if they experience a small flood or even an unexpectedly large one. Since preferred risk buildings are in an area less likely to experience a flood loss, property owners pay less money for the same amount of coverage.
