Flood Insurance

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a specialized policy that covers damage to your property caused by flooding. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage, which means you need a separate policy to protect your home and belongings from rising water. Whether you live in a high-risk flood zone or an area with minimal flood history, flooding can happen anywhere—and the financial impact can be devastating without proper coverage.

You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurers. Garland Insurance's agents help you compare both options to find the right protection for your property. The NFIP is a government-backed program that provides standardized coverage, while private flood insurance often offers higher coverage limits and additional options that may better suit your needs.

Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so you can't wait until a storm is approaching to buy protection. This waiting period means planning ahead is essential. If you're buying a home in a high-risk flood zone and need coverage to close on your mortgage, your lender will require proof of flood insurance before finalizing the loan.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance policies typically offer two types of coverage: building coverage and contents coverage. You can purchase one or both, depending on your needs and whether you own or rent your property. Understanding what each type covers helps you make informed decisions about protecting your assets.

Building coverage protects the physical structure of your home and includes:

• Foundation and structural elements
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• HVAC equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
• Built-in appliances like dishwashers and range ovens
• Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
• Detached garages (up to 10% of building coverage)

Contents coverage protects your personal belongings inside the home, such as:

• Furniture, clothing, and electronics
• Portable appliances like microwaves and window air conditioners
• Artwork, area rugs, and other valuables (within policy limits)
• Food freezers and the food inside
• Curtains and other window treatments

Renters can purchase contents coverage even though they don't own the building. This protects everything you own inside your rental unit from flood damage.

Flood insurance has specific exclusions you should know about. Policies don't cover damage to basements beyond structural elements and essential equipment. Property outside the building—like landscaping, pools, fences, and decks—isn't covered. Additional living expenses if you need to relocate during repairs also aren't included in standard flood policies, though some private insurers offer this as an add-on.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The cost of flood insurance varies significantly based on several factors related to your property and location. Your flood zone designation has the biggest impact on your premium. Properties in high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) cost more to insure than those in moderate- or low-risk zones. However, about 25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas, so even if you're not in a high-risk zone, coverage is worth considering.

The elevation of your property relative to the base flood elevation affects your rate. Homes built above the base flood elevation typically qualify for lower premiums, while those below it face higher costs. Your building's age and type matter too—older homes or those constructed before flood maps were created often cost more to insure because they may not meet current building standards.

Coverage amounts you select directly impact your premium. NFIP flood insurance offers up to $250,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage. Private flood insurance often provides higher limits if you need more protection for a valuable home. You'll also choose a deductible, and like other insurance types, higher deductibles reduce your premium while increasing your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.

Your location's flood history and the type of foundation your home has also influence pricing. Properties with basements or enclosures below the first floor typically cost more to insure. Whether you're in a community that participates in the NFIP's Community Rating System can make a difference too—communities that implement floodplain management practices may qualify residents for discounted rates.

The best way to understand what you'll pay is to get personalized flood insurance quotes. Our agents compare NFIP flood insurance with private flood insurance options to help you find competitive rates without sacrificing the coverage you need.

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

If you have a mortgage on a property in a high-risk flood zone, your lender requires you to carry flood insurance. This isn't optional—it's a condition of your loan. But even if you're not required to buy coverage, flood insurance is often a smart investment that protects you from catastrophic financial loss.

You should strongly consider flood insurance if you live near water—whether that's a river, lake, ocean, or even a creek. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding even in areas far from bodies of water. Urban and suburban development increases runoff, which means flooding can happen in places that never experienced it before.

Renters need flood insurance too. Your landlord's policy covers the building, but it doesn't protect your personal belongings. If flooding damages your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions, you'll pay to replace everything out of pocket unless you have contents coverage.

Many people assume federal disaster assistance will bail them out if flooding occurs. The reality is different. Federal aid typically comes in the form of low-interest loans that you must repay. The average NFIP claim payment is significantly higher than the average disaster assistance loan. Insurance gives you grants to rebuild, not loans that add to your debt.

Even if you're in a low- or moderate-risk area, flooding remains possible. These areas account for about one-third of all NFIP claims and one-third of disaster assistance for flooding. Properties in lower-risk zones often qualify for preferred-risk policies with lower premiums, making coverage more affordable while still providing valuable protection.

How to Get Flood Insurance in Florida

Florida faces unique flood risks from hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy seasonal rainfall. The state has more NFIP policies in force than any other state, reflecting the serious flood exposure throughout the region. Whether you're on the coast or inland, understanding your flood zone and coverage options is essential.

Start by checking your property's flood zone designation using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. This shows whether you're in a high-risk area where mortgage lenders require coverage. Many Florida properties fall into high-risk zones, particularly coastal areas and properties near rivers and lakes. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, flooding can still occur—and insurance may be more affordable than you expect.

You have two main options when buying flood insurance: NFIP flood insurance or private flood insurance. The NFIP provides standardized coverage with set limits and deductibles. Private insurers often offer more flexibility, including higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, and additional coverage options like temporary living expenses. Some private policies also have shorter waiting periods or immediate coverage in certain situations.

Florida participates in the NFIP's Community Rating System in many areas, which can reduce your premium through community floodplain management efforts. Your insurance agent can tell you if your community participates and what discount you might qualify for. Elevation certificates can also help reduce your premium by documenting that your home sits above the base flood elevation.

Because flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period in most cases, don't wait until hurricane season is approaching or a storm is in the forecast. Buy coverage during the off-season so you're protected when you need it. If you're closing on a home purchase and need flood insurance to satisfy your lender, the waiting period may be waived.

Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple flood insurance quotes from both NFIP and private carriers. This comparison shopping helps you find the best combination of coverage and price for your specific property and situation.

Get Your Free Flood Insurance Quote

Protecting your home and belongings from flood damage starts with the right coverage. Garland Insurance has helped families throughout Florida find affordable flood insurance since 1987. We compare NFIP and private flood insurance options to ensure you get comprehensive protection without overpaying.

Our independent agents understand Florida's flood zones and requirements. We'll review your property's flood risk, explain your coverage options, and answer your questions about policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Whether you're required to carry flood insurance or simply want to protect your investment, we make the process straightforward.

Ready to get started? Contact our team for a free flood insurance quote today. We'll help you compare rates and find the coverage that gives you confidence your property is protected, no matter what weather comes your way.