If you’re planning on purchasing a home in Hawaii, it’s easy to get excited about the many sunny days ahead. While good weather is a common benefit of living on the islands, it’s also essential to plan for tropical storms and their flood risks. To help you prepare as a buyer, here’s a guide to these events in Hawaii and how flood insurance can offer financial peace of mind.

What Is the Flood Risk Like in Hawaii?

Hurricanes and other tropical storms introduce heavy rainfall that can contribute to coastal flooding across Hawaii—a risk expected to grow worse as climate change contributes to rising sea levels. Rainfall may also cause rivers to overflow and dams to break, resulting in flash floods.

On average, Hawaii has 11 flash floods per year. In 2018, floods were responsible for destroying or damaging more than 530 homes on Kauai and Oahu.

Will Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Offer Enough Protection?

FEMA estimates that one inch of water can cause a home to incur $25,000 of property damage, which may include waterlogged carpets, wood rot, foundation damage, mold growth, electrical system failure, and loss of personal belongings. In severe circumstances, some may lose their entire homes.

Standard homeowners' insurance policies typically don’t include coverage for flood-related damage. That’s why homebuyers are encouraged to invest in flood policies, an additional type of coverage backed by the National Flood Insurance Program. They’ll cover related damages and losses up to a certain amount.

How Can I Determine a Property’s Risk?

In Hawaii, home sellers are legally required to disclose if a property is in a high-risk zone. However, they’re not required to disclose previous flood damage. As such, you and your real estate agent should proactively ask about this information and conduct research ahead of time using an online flood hazard assessment tool.

What If a Property Is Outside a High-Risk Zone?

If the home you buy is outside of a high-risk zone, your mortgage lender may not require additional insurance. However, since about 20% of national flood insurance claims come from properties outside of these areas, having the coverage can still be incredibly valuable. It’s also a good idea to invest in the protection since many floodplain maps are outdated and not representative of current risks.

When you buy a home on the islands, turn to First Insurance Company of Hawaii for all your coverage needs. Serving personal and commercial clients for more than 100 years, this local agency understands how to address regional risks through specialized coverage, including flood insurance. They can also optimize your homeowner’s policy to affordably safeguard against losses caused by other perils, including fire and theft. To learn more about their low-cost solutions, visit this Hawaii carrier online or call their Honolulu, HI, office at (808) 527-7777.