Flood Insurance: What Most Homeowners Don’t Know (But Should)
Why it’s not included in your regular policy—and why it might be smarter to have it anyway.
When most people think about home insurance, they assume it covers everything: wind, fire, theft, even floods. But here’s the truth:
Flood damage is almost never covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
That might sound like a technicality, until you’re standing in ankle-deep water and realize the repair bill is yours to pay.
So… What Counts as a Flood?
Insurance companies define a flood as rising water from outside your home—like heavy rain, overflow from rivers or creeks, storm surge, or even a broken dam. It doesn’t have to be a natural disaster. It just has to come from outside and affect two or more properties or two or more acres.
If a pipe bursts inside your house, that’s usually covered.
If rainwater floods your basement after a storm, that’s usually not—unless you have flood insurance.
Is Flood Insurance Expensive?
Here’s the good news:
For most people who don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, flood insurance is surprisingly affordable.
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers coverage starting around $300–$700 per year
That’s about $25 to $60/month for peace of mind
Even in higher-risk areas, private flood insurance options exist that may offer better rates or broader coverage
And unlike some types of insurance, flood policies don’t require a full home inspection to quote—you just need your address and a few key details.
📌 (Confirmed: As of 2025, FEMA’s average annual premium for low-to-moderate risk areas ranges from $400 to $800 depending on coverage limits.)
Why It Matters Even If You’re Not “High Risk”
Floods don’t follow maps. In fact:
Over 25% of flood claims come from homes outside high-risk zones
Flash floods, drainage backups, and severe storms are becoming more frequent
FEMA flood maps don’t account for construction changes, climate shifts, or blocked storm drains
Translation? You don’t have to live near a river to get hit by rising water.
How It Works
Flood insurance typically covers:
Structural damage to your home
Electrical and plumbing systems
HVAC and water heaters
Appliances and foundation
Personal belongings (if contents coverage is added)
There’s usually a 30-day waiting period unless required by a mortgage—so it’s not a last-minute add-on.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re not sure whether you have flood coverage, ask. It’s not a dumb question—it’s a smart one.
We can tell you:
Whether you’re in a designated flood zone
What a real policy would cost for your address
If private flood insurance might be a better fit
And if you’re already protected, we’ll make sure your coverage levels still make sense.
Final Thought
Nobody thinks they’ll need flood insurance—until they do. And by then, it’s too late to add it.
If you’re already protecting what matters most, don’t leave this one off the list.
Let’s check your policy.
Let’s talk about what you actually need.
Let’s make sure the coverage fits your life—not just your address.
Stockman Insurance Agency
📍 4202 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 510-9197
🌐 www.stockmanagency.com
