Flood Insurance Renewal - What to Check Every Year
When Do I Need Flood Insurance?
When Do I Need Flood Insurance?
Flooding can strike anywhere, anytime — often with little warning.
While many homeowners assume flood insurance is only necessary if you live near water, the reality is more complex.
Understanding when you need flood insurance is essential to protecting your property and finances from unexpected flood damage.
What Is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is a specialized policy that covers damage caused by flooding — including rising rivers, storm surges, heavy rainfall, and flash floods.
It is separate from standard homeowners insurance, which typically does not cover flood damage.
When Do You Need Flood Insurance?
1.
You Live in a High-Risk Flood Zone
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps areas based on flood risk.
If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) — a high-risk flood zone — flood insurance is often required by mortgage lenders.
2.
You’re in a Moderate- to Low-Risk Area
Even homes outside high-risk zones can experience flooding.
About 25% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside of high-risk areas.
If you want peace of mind, flood insurance can provide valuable protection no matter where you live.
3.
You Have a Mortgage
Many lenders require flood insurance for homes located in high-risk flood zones as part of the mortgage agreement.
This protects their investment and helps you avoid costly losses.
4.
You Live Near Bodies of Water
If your home is near rivers, lakes, streams, or coastal areas, even if not officially in a high-risk zone, flooding could still happen due to heavy rain or storms.
5.
You Want to Protect Your Property and Belongings
Flood damage can be devastating and expensive.
Flood insurance covers structural damage, electrical and plumbing systems, and personal belongings like furniture and electronics — giving you financial security if disaster strikes.
When You Might Not Need Flood Insurance
If you live in an area with very low flood risk, have no mortgage, and can afford to pay for repairs out-of-pocket, you might decide against flood insurance.
However, keep in mind that floods can be unpredictable.
How to Find Out Your Flood Risk
You can check your flood zone using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center online or consult your local municipality.
This will help you assess your risk and decide whether flood insurance is right for you.
Flood insurance isn’t just for coastal or riverfront properties — it’s an important safeguard for many homeowners.
Knowing when you need flood insurance can save you from costly repairs and stress after a flood event.
Talk to your insurance agent today to evaluate your risk and coverage options.
Here is what our clients are saying about us:
I have known Tim for many years and he is a man with great integrity, work ethic and one of the nicest persons I know. Over the years Tim has provided insurance counseling and advice to our company, for myself personally, as well as to our clients. Recently Tim, took time to analyze our flood insurance policy and he was able to make some excellent recommendations. Our flood insurance costs are now less and we have much better coverage. I recommend Tim to anyone without hesitation or reservation.
I have no problem giving you an A1 reference for taking care of the flood policies for me and Diane. I appreciate you working with the mortgage company: the surveyor and our previous agent. The result was a 75% reduction in our flood insurance premiums!
We contacted Mr. Holt for an estimate via email over the weekend prior to a closing on a property, hoping for a response on the following Monday to take with us with confidence in being insured at the settlement table on a Tuesday. He exceeded our expectations not once but in readily responding to the initial request and then to follow-up questions all during the weekend frenzy that occurs before closing. "Impressive and responsive customer service," for sure!
We'll help you:
Lower your current flood insurance premiums
Eliminate excessive & unnecessary coverage
Remove the FEMA from the claims handling process
