Water damage is a bit of a gray area in the realm of insurance. Due to several factors, many agencies recommend customers purchase flood insurance on top of their general homeowners policy. While a few specific circumstances of water damage may be covered by homeowners insurance, below are a few scenarios that require flood coverage.

3 Times You Need Flood Insurance

1. Natural Disasters

Homes and properties located in areas designated as flood zones by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are required to have disaster coverage. This covers water damage caused by storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Standard policies also pay for damage stemming from overflowing lakes, rivers and other surrounding waterways.

2. Melting Snow

If melting snow makes it way from a roof into a home or business’s interior, it can cause water damage in basements and on first floors. A flood insurance policy will pay for the repair and replacement costs on furniture, flooring, walls and other affected items.

3. Appliance Leaks

Water leaks caused by broken appliances are also covered by flood insurance. These include water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, and heating and air conditioning systems. If water damages floors, walls, furniture, and other items and surfaces, the coverage will pay for the repair and replacement costs.

Knowing what’s covered and what’s not under most homeowners insurance policies is critical in case water damage occurs. A flood insurance policy may be needed. If you’re unsure about your current coverage, Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency in Chillicothe, OH, is your trusted resource for making an informed decision. The team of experienced agents will gladly walk you through the process to secure affordable and reliable coverage. To get started, call (740) 773-1620 for a free, no-obligation estimate. You can also request a quote online, where there’s extensive information on the firm’s complete suite of insurance options.