Is My Flood Insurance Policy Working?

Flood insurance is a critical part of protecting your home and belongings, but how do you know if your policy is actually providing the coverage you need? At Holt Flood Insurance, we help homeowners understand their policies, avoid gaps in coverage, and ensure they’re fully protected against flood risks.

Here’s how to determine whether your flood insurance policy is truly working for you.

1. Review Your Coverage Limits

The first step is understanding what your policy actually covers:

• Building Coverage: Does it cover the full replacement cost of your home or just part of it? NFIP policies cover up to $250,000, while private options may offer higher limits.

• Contents Coverage: Are your belongings adequately protected? Standard NFIP coverage is up to $100,000, which may not be enough for high-value items.

If your limits don’t match the current value of your home and possessions, your policy may not fully protect you.

2. Check for Coverage Gaps

Not all flood policies are created equal. Typical gaps include:

• Detached structures like garages, sheds, or pool houses

• Basements and certain types of finished improvements

• Temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable

• Valuables above standard contents coverage limits

Identifying gaps early helps you adjust your policy before a flood occurs.

3. Know Your Deductibles

Flood insurance policies include deductibles, which are the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage begins.

• Higher deductibles = lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs

• Lower deductibles = higher premiums but less financial strain after a flood

Make sure your deductible aligns with what you can reasonably afford.

4. Verify Your Flood Zone and Risk

Flood risk affects both your coverage and premiums. FEMA updates flood maps periodically, which can change your flood zone classification.

• Are you still in the same flood zone?

• Has your property’s risk changed due to new construction, drainage changes, or extreme weather trends?

Understanding your current risk ensures your policy provides adequate protection.

5. Check Policy Timing

Most flood insurance policies have a waiting period:

• NFIP: Standard 30-day waiting period

• Private Insurance: Often shorter, sometimes 10–15 days

Coverage doesn’t start immediately after purchase, so planning ahead is critical to avoid lapses in protection.

6. Confirm Claims Process and Support

A flood insurance policy is only useful if you can file a claim and receive timely support. Make sure you:

• Know how to submit a claim

• Understand what documentation is required

• Have contact information for your insurance provider

Holt Flood Insurance can walk you through the process and ensure your claims are handled efficiently if disaster strikes.

7. Reassess Regularly

Your home, belongings, and risk profile change over time. A policy that worked last year may no longer be adequate. Consider reviewing your coverage:

• After renovations or home improvements

• After acquiring valuable items

• When flood maps or flood zone designations change

• Annually as part of routine financial planning

How Holt Flood Insurance Ensures Your Policy is Working

At Holt Flood Insurance, we help homeowners and business owners make sure their flood insurance is:

• Adequate for current home value and possessions

• Free of coverage gaps

• Properly aligned with flood risk and zone designation

• Easy to understand and claim if needed

We provide personalized reviews, accurate quotes, and guidance to ensure your policy truly protects you.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out your flood insurance isn’t enough. Contact Holt Flood Insurance today for a policy review and ensure your coverage is working the way it should — protecting your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.