MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/myths-and-facts-about-flood-insurance-1]


Release Date: 
Jun 22, 2021 

Many property owners often have misconceptions about flood insurance,
such as whether they can get it, when they can buy it, and how much it
costs.

Here are some of the most common myths and facts about flood insurance
and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

MYTH: You can’t buy flood insurance if you live in a high-risk flood
area.

FACT: You can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live if
your community participates in the NFIP.

MYTH: Disaster assistance is the same as flood insurance.

FACT: Without flood insurance, most residents must pay out of pocket
or take out loans to repair and replace damaged items. Federal
assistance is not always available and is not enough to get you back
to your pre-disaster condition.

MYTH: Get the amount of flood coverage you can afford now.

FACT: Ask your insurance agent to quote you different levels of flood
insurance coverage.

MYTH: Renters can’t get flood insurance.

FACT: Renters can get contents coverage to be able to replace
belongings.

MYTH: Not every flood zone has some flood risk.

FACT: Flood insurance is needed and available in all flood zones.

MYTH: You can’t buy flood insurance immediately before or during a
flood.

FACT: You can purchase flood coverage at any time. However, don’t
wait, because policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. There
are a few exceptions that reduce or eliminate the waiting period. Read
about them at https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/terms.

MYTH: Homeowners insurance policies cover flooding.

FACT: Unfortunately, many do not find out until it is too late that
their homeowners policy does not cover flooding.

MYTH: Flood insurance is available only for homeowners.

FACT: Renters and business owners can get flood insurance too.

MYTH: Only residents of high-risk flood zones need to insure their
properties.

FACT: More than 40% of NFIP claims come from outside the high-risk
area. If you live in an area of minimal flooding, you may qualify for
a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy.

MYTH: Federal flood insurance can be purchased only directly through
the NFIP.
 

FACT: The NFIP partners with more than 60 private insurance companies
to sell and service flood insurance policies. If you don’t have an
insurance company or if your insurance agent does not sell flood
insurance, use the NFIP insurance provider locator to find a provider
near you. Phone NFIP at 877-336-2627 or visit
https://www.floodsmart.gov.
 

MYTH: Wind-driven rain is considered flooding.

FACT: While flood insurance policies specifically exclude wind and
hail coverage, most homeowners’ policies include this coverage. Rain
entering through wind-damaged windows or doors or holes in walls or
the roof resulting in standing water or puddles is considered
windstorm rather than flood damage. Federal flood insurance typically
covers water that comes up from the bottom and enters your home from
outside.

Speak to a Community Education and Outreach specialist by calling:
833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 or visit:
https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/
[https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/%20] or
https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/
[https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/%20] for Spanish. These
specialists provide information on how to repair and rebuild safer and
stronger after a disaster.