Flood Insurance (NFIP & Private)
Building and contents coverage for rising water, which every homeowners policy excludes.
Who Needs It
- Homes in FEMA high-risk zones (lender-required)
- Homes outside mapped zones in Houston, Austin, Tampa, and Orlando
- Coastal and canal-front properties
What It Covers
- NFIP: up to $250K dwelling and $100K contents
- Private flood: higher limits, additional living expense, shorter waits
- Storm surge, river overflow, flash flooding
What It Does Not Cover
- Additional living expense under NFIP
- Finished basements beyond structural items under NFIP
- Damage during the waiting period
Texas Notes
Harvey deposited over 60 inches of rain; most damage was flood, not wind. Roughly 40% of claims come from outside high-risk zones.
Florida Notes
Florida has more NFIP policies than any other state and still has large gaps; surge from a hurricane is flood, not wind, and the wind policy will not pay it.
Flood Insurance (NFIP & Private) Questions We Hear Most
Is private flood better than NFIP?
Often: higher limits, ALE, and shorter waits, sometimes at lower cost for elevated homes. We quote both on every review.
How long is the waiting period?
NFIP 30 days except at a loan closing; private flood typically 10–14 days.
Related Coverage Guides
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Start My Quote All coverage guides →This guide is general education from a licensed independent agency, not legal advice or a promise of coverage. Every policy is governed by its own forms, endorsements, limits, and exclusions. Ask us to review the actual form before you rely on it.