Generally, physical damage to your building or personal property “directly” caused by a flood is covered by your flood insurance policy. For example, damages caused by a sewer backup are covered if the backup is a direct result of flooding. However, if the backup is caused by some other problem, the damages are not covered. The following list provides general guidance on items covered by flood insurance. Refer to your policy for the complete list.
WHAT’S INSURED UNDER BUILDING PROPERTY COVERAGE
- The insured building and its foundation
- The electrical and plumbing systems
- Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
- Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets
- Window blinds
- Detached garages (up to 10 percent of building property coverage); detached buildings (other than garages) require a separate building property policy
- Debris removal
WHAT’S INSURED UNDER PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE
- Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Portable and window air conditioners
- Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
- Carpets not included in building property coverage (see above)
- Clothes, washers and dryers
- Food freezers and the food in them
- Certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
WHAT’S NOT INSURED BY EITHER BUILDING PROPERTY OR PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE
- Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner
- Currency, precious metals and valuable papers, such as stock certificates
- Property and belongings outside of a building, such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools
- Living expenses such as temporary housing
- Basement improvements like finished walls, floors or ceilings, or personal belongings that may be kept in a basement, such as furniture and other contents
- There are also some exceptions for coverage in areas below the lowest elevated floor of your home
- Enclosed areas under the first floor used for storage; the contents will not be covered by flood insurance