While property insurance reimburses homeowners for various scenarios—this may include fire or wind damage, and vandalism—coverage for regionally-specific natural disasters, such as earthquakes and snowstorms often require specific mention if you want them as part of your policy. One aspect in particular that gets overlooked is flood insurance. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that they are not covered until a dam bursts, a tropical storm hits, or the river levels rise to a dangerous level. Here are some facts about flood insurance to help you determine if it is a necessary coverage for your household.

What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance

What Counts as a Flood and What Does Not

Standard home insurance policies guard against damage caused by rain, snow, hail, sleet, and other falling objects. For instance, if a tree falls on your roof during a storm and the rain causes water damage, you have a valid homeowners claim. However, once the water hits the earth and starts moving over the ground, it is considered "flooding," which is not covered by most policies.

Sewer Backups & Mudslides May Be Covered in Flood Insurance

Flood insurance can cover damages other than those strictly related to the flood. If high waters caused the sewers in your area to back-up, your insurer would likely pay the cost of the possibly extensive and hazardous clean-up. If, to give another scenario, your neighbor’s above-group pool were to overrun or a nearby water main should break, resulting in water damage to your property, you could also be reimbursed. Mudslides might also fall under this umbrella. As always, it is essential to ask your agent specifics of what is covered under your policy.

The Odds You Will Need Flood Insurance

While you might be inclined to think a flood won’t happen in your area, know that you don’t need to live on the coast to be affected. Snowmelt, problems with the public water system, and intense rainfall can all result in flooding in a usually low-risk area. And if you do live someplace close to sea level that sees storms or hurricanes regularly, there is a one in four chance that your home will suffer flood damage over the course of 30 years.

Flood insurance is vital coverage, but it doesn't come automatically with most property insurance policies. If you want to protect the investment you’ve put into your home in case of a flood, contact Michael E Glick Insurance in Boerne, TX. They've been serving businesses and homeowners in and around Kendall County for more than 25 years and also specialize in workers comp, general liability, life, and auto insurance. Visit their website to submit a contact request form or call (830) 816-9488 to request a quote.