Many homeowners are surprised to learn their homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding events. That’s right: Most homeowners policies won’t cover flood damage. This is something that should worry anyone in the Dixie-State as we are so prone to extreme rain and flooding.

How Does Typical Home Insurance Define ‘Flooding?’

If a pipe in your home busted and flooded your floor, would it be considered a “flooding event” and thus, not reimbursed by your homeowner’s policy? Or would it be covered?

If you answered, “Yes, this event should be covered under my home insurance policy” (or something similar), you’re correct. A flooded floor or other water damage to the home caused by a busted pipe (or even a malfunctioning appliance) would likely be covered by a typical homeowners insurance policy.

What kinds of events then, are classified as “flooding” and are thus not covered under a standard home insurance policy? Obviously, a heavy rainfall event wherein water rose into your home would be considered flooding.

However, other kinds of damage classified as “flood damage” under standard home insurance and flood insurance policies aren’t quite so obvious. In other words, your house doesn’t need to flood with rainwater to sustain “flood damage.” As specified in typical homeowners and flood insurance policies, flood damage also includes:

• Rain damage

• Storm surge damage

• Mud damage

It’s a guarantee that your existing home insurance (or any home policy you’re considering for purchase) won’t cover the above events.

Where Can I Buy Flood Insurance in Alabama or Mississippi?

The overwhelming majority of flood insurance policies across the US—including in Alabama—are sold under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

To purchase FEMA flood insurance, you must go through an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency. Insurance Express has sold flood insurance through NFIP for many years.

What type of Flood Insurance Do I Need?

NFIP flood insurance policies come in two types:

Standard Flood Insurance

These policies are designed for Alabama residents who live in communities with an active and ongoing flood management plan. Such communities must also be able to demonstrate that they have enacted certain NFIP guidelines to reduce flood-based damages.

Preferred Risk Flood Insurance

These flood policies are designed for residents living in low-to-moderate risk zones. Such residents aren’t necessarily required to purchase flood insurance, but have this option in case they experience a small flood or even an unexpectedly large one.

Insurance Express Sells The FEMA Flood Insurance You Need!

If you’re shopping for flood insurance, we’d love to hear from you! No matter where you live in Alabama or Mississippi, as an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency, Insurance Express can help you find and purchase an appropriate flood insurance policy. We proudly serve all of Alabama & Mississippi, with a primary focus on Choctaw, Washington, Marengo, Sumter and Clarke counties, including the cities of Gilbertown, Butler, Silas, Millry, Chatom.

Insurance Express is built on two things: Relationships in coverage and Alabama pride. If you’re ready to start a new friendship with an Alabama insurance agency that puts your best interests first, call Insurance Express today at (251) 843-2299. Or for a free online flood insurance quote, just fill out the "Request a Quote" form on our Contact Page.