What Does Flood Insurance Cover? Building and Contents
Learn how flood insurance treats the building and belongings, what renters can ask for, and what to check before buying.
By Insurazon Editorial Team
Compare the building and your belongings separately
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program describes building and contents coverage separately. Building coverage can apply to parts of the insured structure, while contents coverage can apply to belongings such as furniture and clothing, subject to the policy.
Use two rows in your worksheet. Put the building limit and deductible on one row and the belongings limit and deductible on the other. Ask which rows are included in the written quote and which need to be added.
FEMA FloodSmart guide to buying a flood policyAsk what the offer leaves out and when it starts
Bring up any items stored in a basement and any expenses you might face if you cannot stay in the home. Ask the insurer to identify the relevant limits and exclusions in the actual offer. If you rent, ask about contents coverage for your own belongings.
Give the insurer your intended start date and ask whether a waiting period applies to the offer. Compare that date with any lease, lender, or closing deadline.
Insurazon provides general education. Ask your insurer or a licensed insurance professional to review the terms for your situation.