Free Coverage Gap Check
Flood Coverage Gap Check: What Your Home Policy Won't Pay
Usually not. Standard homeowners and condo policies exclude flood damage from rising water. Answer 5 quick questions about your home (no insurance jargon, and "Not sure" is always an option) and we'll show what your policy likely covers, what it does not, and how big your flood gap is. Buying a home? It works for you too.
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Disclaimer: This is an educational estimate based on the details you entered and general policy terms. It is not an insurance quote, an offer of coverage, or a guarantee. Coverage, availability and pricing depend on the insurer, underwriting and your state, and policy wording varies by carrier. Always review your actual policy and speak with a licensed agent before making coverage decisions. Always check with your lender for the exact requirements. The gap score is Flood Insurance Guru's own educational score, not a carrier, industry or government rating. Flood zone results come from FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer and are for information only.
What does home insurance cover when water gets in?
Most home policies cover sudden water from inside the home, such as a burst pipe, and water that enters after wind or hail damages the roof or walls. Details vary by policy and carrier.
What does home insurance not cover?
Flood from rising surface water, storm surge, overflowing rivers and creeks, and mudflow. Flood damage to basements and the cost of living elsewhere during flood repairs are usually not covered either.
How does a flood policy fill the gap?
A flood policy covers your building and belongings when surface water floods your home. Federal NFIP policies do not pay additional living expenses. Some private flood policies we place can include additional living expenses or loss of use.
Why trust Flood Insurance Guru?
We have worked in insurance since 2009, placed 20,000+ policies, handled 10,000+ claims, are licensed in all 50 states, and hold a 5.0-star Google rating (76 reviews). Our flood zone check is free.
More free tools: Do I need flood insurance? · Find your flood zone · Flood insurance cost estimator · Review my flood policy · Homeowners flood insurance · Get a free flood quote
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No. Standard homeowners policies, including HO-3 and HO-5, exclude flood damage from rising surface water, storm surge and overflowing rivers or creeks. They usually cover sudden water from inside the home, like a burst pipe. To protect your home and belongings from flood, you need a separate flood insurance policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.
Does flood insurance cover sewer backup?
Typically, no. A flood policy does not typically cover sewer or drain backup. Flood coverage applies to surface flood water coming into your home from outside, such as rising water, storm surge or an overflowing river or creek. Whether your home policy covers sewer backup depends on that policy, so ask your home insurance agent.
Will flood insurance pay for a hotel if I can't live at home?
NFIP flood policies do not pay additional living expenses, so hotel and meal costs fall on you. Some private flood policies we place can include additional living expenses or loss of use, depending on the policy and your home. Ask us which options are available where you live before a storm arrives.
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a high risk flood zone?
Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, and your home policy still excludes it outside high risk zones. A zone tells you how FEMA maps an area, but it does not set your flood price. NFIP rating does not use flood zones, and private carriers use them only about a quarter of the time.
Is this Coverage Gap Check a quote?
No. It is a free educational tool based on your answers and typical policy terms. It shows what most home policies cover and exclude in a water event, plus your gap score. Coverage varies by policy and carrier, so review your actual policy and talk with a licensed agent before deciding.
Does flood insurance cover my basement?
Partly. NFIP flood policies limit basement coverage mostly to essentials like furnaces, water heaters, washers, dryers and freezers, plus some building items. Finished walls, carpet and furniture below ground are generally not covered. Some private flood policies treat basements differently, so ask us to compare options for your home.