Protection from rising water
Flood insurance for your home and belongings
Homeowners and renters policies usually do not cover damage from flooding. Flood insurance is a separate policy that fills that gap. Kaufman Insurance Group can help you compare flood options for your home, condo, or rental, whether or not your lender requires it.
- Coverage for the building and your belongings
- Options through the national program and private companies
- Help understanding your flood zone and waiting periods
Personal & Commercial · Quick Quotes – Good Rates · Great Companies
As an independent agency, we compare flood insurance from the companies we work with. The companies that can quote you depend on what you want to insure, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
These logos show some of the insurance companies Kaufman Insurance Group may be able to quote as an independent agency. Showing a logo does not mean the company endorses us. Which companies can offer you coverage depends on the type of insurance, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
The basics
What flood insurance is
Flood insurance is a policy that helps pay for damage caused by flooding, meaning water that rises and flows over normally dry land and into your home. Heavy rain, overflowing rivers and creeks, and poor drainage can all cause floods.
Most homeowners, condo, and renters policies exclude flood damage. That surprises many people, because they assume any water damage is covered. A burst pipe inside your home is often covered by your home policy, but water that comes in from outside after a storm usually is not.
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, a federal program sold through insurance agents, and through some private flood insurance companies. Each option has its own rules, so we will explain the differences.
National Flood Insurance Program
A federal program that offers flood coverage for homes and belongings in participating communities.
Private flood insurance
Policies from private companies that may offer different limits or features, depending on the home and location.
Know what you are choosing
What flood insurance typically includes
Flood policies usually have two main parts. The details depend on whether the policy is through the national program or a private company.
Building coverage
Helps repair the structure of your home, including the foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, furnace, and water heater.
Contents coverage
Helps replace belongings such as furniture, clothing, and electronics. It is usually purchased separately from building coverage.
Cleanup costs
Helps with some costs of removing debris and cleaning up after a covered flood, according to the policy.
Coverage for renters
Renters can buy contents coverage for their belongings even though they do not own the building.
Condo coverage
Condo owners can buy coverage for their unit and belongings, working alongside the association’s policy.
Basement limits
Coverage in basements is often limited. Ask us what is and is not covered below ground level.
Is it right for you
Who needs flood insurance
If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. But floods can happen outside high-risk zones, too.
Homeowners near water
You live near a river, creek, lake, or low-lying area.
Homes with past water problems
Your street or yard has flooded before during heavy rain.
Renters and condo owners
You want your belongings protected, since your landlord’s or association’s policy will not cover them.
Buyers closing on a home
Your lender may require flood coverage based on the property’s flood zone.
Not sure about your flood risk? Give an agent your address and we can talk through it.
How Kaufman helps
How we help you with flood insurance
Flood insurance has its own rules, including waiting periods before coverage starts. We help you understand them before a storm is on the way.
Share your address
We look at your property and the information needed for a flood quote.
We compare options
An agent reviews national program and private flood options that may be available for your home.
Choose your coverage
Pick building and contents limits that fit. We explain when coverage begins and what it does not cover.
Most flood policies have a waiting period before coverage starts, with some exceptions such as when coverage is required for a new loan. That is why it is best to buy flood insurance well before you need it. We focus on Ohio and North Carolina, and we can also help homeowners and renters in most other states.
Common questions
Flood insurance questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Usually not. Standard homeowners, condo, and renters policies exclude damage from flooding. Separate flood insurance is needed for that protection.
Do I need flood insurance if I am not in a high-risk flood zone?
It is not usually required, but floods can happen anywhere it rains. Many flood claims come from outside high-risk zones. Coverage is worth considering if water could reach your home.
Is there a waiting period for flood insurance?
Yes, most flood policies have a waiting period before coverage starts, with some exceptions. Do not wait until a storm is in the forecast to buy coverage.
Can renters buy flood insurance?
Yes. Renters can buy contents coverage to protect their belongings from flood damage.
Is water from a sewer backup covered by flood insurance?
It depends on the cause. Backup caused directly by flooding may be covered by a flood policy, while other backups are often handled by a water backup option on your home policy. We can explain the difference.
Related coverage
Coverage that pairs well with flood insurance
Homeowners insurance
The main policy for your house, belongings, and liability.
Explore homeowners insuranceCondo insurance
Coverage for your unit that works alongside your association’s policy.
Explore condo insuranceRenters insurance
Protection for your belongings and liability as a renter.
Explore renters insurancePersonal insurance hub
See every type of personal coverage we can help you with, from your home and cars to your toys and valuables.
Explore personal lines insuranceReady to protect your home from flooding?
Start a flood insurance quote online, or contact us with questions. An agent will help you compare your options.
Prefer to talk? Call (330) 486-8404.