Is Damage From Hurricanes Covered Under Flood Insurance?

Is Damage From Hurricanes Covered Under Flood Insurance?

The destructive power of hurricanes can result in loss of life and damage to our homes and properties and cause millions in damage. This is why the importance of having a good insurance policy cannot be overemphasized. But the question right now is…

What type of insurance policy do you need to cover hurricane damage caused especially by flood?

You see, flood insurance is a type of insurance policy that specifically covers damage caused by floods. It is different from homeowners insurance, which covers damage caused by other types of natural disasters, such as wind and tornadoes.

Many standard homeowners' insurance policies exclude coverage for flooding. So, if you live in a flood or hurricane-prone area, you may want to consider adding it as a separate policy to your home insurance policy.

As we already mentioned, the effect of hurricanes can be devastating and that is due to the high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall that comes with it. Rainfall leaves homes and properties destroyed. But does flood insurance cover flood damage caused by hurricanes? The answer is yes.

Unfortunately, when these hurricane events happen, many insurance companies come up with dirty tricks to deny claims. Insurers are meant to stand by their policyholders until they recover their loss.

So, if you feel your claim is being unjustly delayed or denied, know that our Texas attorneys at Voss Law Firm are willing to help. They'll fight for you till you get every benefit you deserve. So if you need our help, reach out to us today at 1-888-614-7730 for a free consultation.

How Does Flood Insurance Cover Hurricanes?

Generally, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover any damage caused by floods, including the ones caused by hurricanes. This means you need a separate flood insurance policy to cover any damage caused by floods. In cases where you don't have flood insurance, you'll be responsible for the replacement cost.

In clear terms, if a hurricane causes damage to your home through flooding, your flood insurance will cover it. However, there are a few exceptions.

For example, if the damage caused by a flood is due to a storm surge where there is an abnormal rise in sea level, then your flood insurance policy will not cover it. But if it causes a river to overflow its banks and flood your home, your insurance company will honor your claim.

For storm surges, it is important to purchase additional coverage, especially if you live in an area that is at risk of storm surges.

That is why having both hurricane and flood insurance is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. It provides broad protection against all types of damage caused by storms.

If you have suffered from flooding damage caused by a hurricane and you are finding it difficult to recover your claim, you should consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that you get the needed compensation to recover your loss.

Now, let's take a quick look at Hurricane Insurance.

What Texas Law Says About Hurricane Insurance

It is important to note that hurricane insurance is not a stand-alone policy. It is a type of coverage that is added to other policies. However, hurricane insurance is not required by law in the state of Texas. It is optional. But in other states, insurers are required to provide hurricane deductibles as part of their coverage.

Texas Hurricane Deductibles

Texas has mandatory hurricane deductibles. According to state law, if an insurer provides windstorm coverage, they must include a separate deductible for this type of damage.

Texas does not have a specific law for these deductible amounts, but they typically range between 1% and 5% of the home's insured value. Homeowners who want this coverage must request it from their insurer or work with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) if their insurance company does not provide it.

Now, there are different ways to get flood insurance and the most common way is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

What Is The National Flood Insurance Program?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program that provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in participating communities.

The NFIP offers coverage for up to $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for personal property. If you live in a flood-prone area, purchasing an NFIP policy is a good option. NFIP flood insurance premiums are typically paid in one lump sum rather than in monthly installments. Many private insurance companies also offer flood insurance now. Which is a good thing if you ask me.

However, it is important to note that NFIP policies do not cover any damage to a basement or its content. If any damage occurs during flooding to your basement, your claim will not be validated.

Also, note that there's a waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. So if you are in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it is better to purchase flood insurance well in advance. This way, you can ensure that you have coverage in place before a storm or heavy rainfall hits.

When Do You Need Hurricane Coverage?

If you have a mortgage, HELOC, or other loans that use your home as collateral, your lender may require you to have this coverage to protect your property. As long as the loan is open, the lender is interested in keeping it in good condition, and insurance is an excellent way to do so.

If you own your home outright, you are not required by law to obtain hurricane insurance in Texas. However, hurricane insurance is always a good idea. Your home is one of your most valuable investments and insuring it protects you from losing everything you've worked so hard to build.

When it comes to hurricanes, it's crucial to know the risk you are exposed to. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it's critical to understand what types of coverage you have and what is excluded. If you live in a flood-prone area, you should think about getting flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

It's also important to have a disaster plan in place for your family and your home. This can include things like having emergency supplies on hand, having a designated evacuation route, and having a plan for what to do if you are unable to return to your home after a storm.

In a nutshell, flood insurance specifically covers flooding damage, whereas homeowners insurance covers damage caused by other disasters such as winds or hail. When it comes to hurricanes, the damage they cause can be extensive and traumatizing. So it's important to understand the specific risks that you face and see that you receive the hurricane insurance coverage you need.

Learn How to Get Full Payment for Damage to Your Home

If your insurance provider refuses to honor your claim, the Voss Law Firm can help you get paid for your losses—and potentially more. Call us at (888) 614-7730 or complete our contact form today to get answers to your questions, or start reading your copy of our free book, Tricks of the Trade: How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse, and Refuse.