What Happened
Rounds of storms dropped more than 13 inches of rain on parts of central Indiana in six days. Upstream, the White River broke its 1913 records at Anderson and Noblesville. Figures from the National Weather Service, local news reporting and FEMA.
21.18 ft
White River crest at Nora on August 15, 2026. The second highest on record there, behind only 1913.
56
Water rescues in Indianapolis, with 100 residents evacuated by the night of August 15.
23
Indiana counties in the federal disaster declaration, including Marion, Hamilton, Hancock and Madison.
Why Homeowners Insurance Did Not Pay
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. After the August storms, residents told local reporters their insurance companies refused to cover the water damage. Flood is a separate policy, written through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier.
FEMA disaster aid is not flood insurance either. It is meant to help make a home safe and livable, not to rebuild it. If you flooded, check DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 for the help still available to you.
Around Indianapolis, the median flood insurance quote we gave since 2024 was $576 a year. On 23 homes quoted both ways, private came in lower than the NFIP 22 times.
Straight Answers After the Flood
Our founder, Chris Greene, almost lost his own home after an agent gave him the wrong flood insurance advice. He has since helped homeowners through more than 10,000 flood claims. These are the questions we hear most since August.
Our street never flooded before August. Do we need flood insurance now?
Lenders only require flood insurance in high risk zones, but rivers and storms do not follow map lines. Coverage outside high risk zones is usually the least expensive flood insurance you can buy. Across Indiana, our median Zone X quote was $429 a year.
How long until a new policy starts?
NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start, with exceptions such as a loan closing. Some private policies can start sooner. The best time to buy is well before the spring rains, not when the river is already rising.
Will flood insurance cover my basement?
Every flood policy limits basement coverage. The NFIP covers essentials like your furnace, water heater and electrical panel, but typically not finishes like carpet, paneling or the belongings you keep down there. Ask exactly what a policy covers in the basement before you buy.
