Although you may not have had flooding previously, severe weather changes can cause an unexpected flood on any property. Flood insurance is designed to defray the costs of damage to both external structures and your personal possessions inside the home. At The Firebird Agency, we can help you find the coverage you need to avoid expensive losses from flooding.
Do You Need Flood Insurance?
If you have a mortgage on your property, your financial institution may require you to have flood insurance based on the home's location on flood maps. But it’s not only coastal areas that see flooding. Inland areas that have experienced rapid development may have changes in the topography that make flooding more likely. Structures near rivers, creeks, or lakes may be subject to sudden, unexpected flooding, as well. If you have disaster assistance funds in the past, you will be required to have flood insurance on your property.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood insurance covers a wide range of damage that usually occurs during an event. It will protect basic systems in the home, such as electrical, plumbing, fuel tanks, well water tanks, and solar energy equipment. A policy will also cover furnaces, water heaters, staircases, cabinets, paneling, carpeting, appliances, foundation walls, and detached garages. The contents coverage portion covers clothing, furniture, electronic equipment, washers, dryers, draperies, and valuable items you may have, such as artwork or furs, up to a certain level.
Make The Firebird Agency Your Agent for Flood Insurance
You may have questions about how much coverage you need and what items are covered. We can answer your questions with detailed information and experience about flooding and claims. Contact The Firebird Agency today for a free, no-obligation quote on flood insurance to protect your finances from unexpected flooding costs.
Flood Insurance FAQ
Does my homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. This surprises many
homeowners. Flooding must be covered by a separate, dedicated flood insurance policy — either
through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If you experience a
flood and only have homeowners insurance, you will be responsible for all repair costs out of
pocket.
What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federally backed flood insurance program
administered by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). It was created in the 1960s
after flooding was deemed an uninsurable risk by private insurers. The NFIP provides flood
coverage to homeowners, renters, and businesses in participating communities — more than
23,000 communities across the U.S. As of 2024, the NFIP has over 4.7 million active policies
providing more than $1.28 trillion in coverage.
Do I need flood insurance if I don't live in a high-risk flood zone?
Yes — flood insurance is worth considering for nearly every property. Over the past 20 years, 99%
of U.S. counties have experienced a flood event. Approximately 25% of all flood insurance claims
come from properties in low- to moderate-risk flood zones. Just one inch of floodwater can cause
more than $25,000 in damage to a home. Even if flood insurance isn't required by your mortgage
lender, the financial risk of going without coverage can be significant.
Who is required to have flood insurance?
If you live in a high-risk flood zone (FEMA Zones A or V) and your mortgage is backed by a
federally regulated or insured lender, you are legally required to carry flood insurance. If you live in
a moderate- to low-risk area (Zones B, C, or X), flood insurance is not federally mandated, but it is
still strongly recommended. Additionally, if you have previously received federal disaster
assistance after a flood, you may be required to maintain a flood insurance policy to remain
eligible for future aid.
How much does flood insurance cost?
The average NFIP policy costs approximately $786 per year (about $65.50/month), based on
2023 FEMA data. However, your actual premium will depend on several factors including your
property's flood zone designation, elevation, distance to water sources, the age and construction
of your home, your coverage limits, and your deductible. Homes in high-risk coastal zones can
pay significantly more — sometimes $4,000–$10,000+ per year — while properties in low-risk
areas may qualify for preferred rates starting as low as $129/year. Private flood insurance can
sometimes be 20–35% cheaper than NFIP in lower-risk zones.
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance typically covers two categories: (1) Building/Structure Coverage — this includes
the physical structure of your home, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC
equipment, built-in appliances, permanently installed carpeting, and detached garages. (2)
Contents Coverage — this includes furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and other personal
belongings. NFIP building coverage is capped at $250,000 and contents coverage at $100,000.
Private flood insurers may offer higher limits, up to $5–10 million for dwellings.
What does flood insurance NOT cover?
Flood insurance has important exclusions to be aware of. Standard NFIP policies do not cover:
temporary housing or additional living expenses while your home is being repaired; personal
property stored in basements; vehicles; cash, precious metals, or valuable papers; outdoor
property like landscaping, decks, or fences; financial losses caused by business interruption; or
damage caused by moisture or mold that could have been prevented. Private flood policies may
offer broader coverage, including some living expense reimbursements — so it is worth comparing
options.
Is there a waiting period before flood insurance takes effect?
Yes. NFIP policies typically have a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase
before coverage begins. This means you cannot purchase a policy when a storm or flood is
already threatening your area and expect to be covered. Some private flood insurance carriers
offer shorter waiting periods of 10–15 days. There are limited exceptions to the waiting period —
for example, if you are purchasing a policy in connection with a mortgage closing, or if your
property is newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone.
Can renters get flood insurance?
Yes. Renters can purchase a contents-only flood insurance policy through the NFIP or a private
insurer. A standard renters insurance policy does not cover flood damage, so a separate policy is
necessary. NFIP contents coverage for renters is capped at $100,000. It is important to note that
while your landlord may have flood insurance on the building itself, their policy will not cover your
personal belongings — only your own flood insurance policy will protect your possessions.
What is the difference between NFIP and private flood insurance?
NFIP (government-backed) flood insurance offers standardized coverage up to $250,000 for
structures and $100,000 for contents, with a 30-day waiting period and premiums set by FEMA.
Private flood insurance is offered by independent insurers, often with higher coverage limits (up to
$5–10 million), shorter waiting periods (10–15 days), and potentially more flexible policy terms that
may include additional living expenses. In lower-risk zones, private coverage is often 20–35%
cheaper. In high-risk coastal zones, NFIP may be more competitive. It is worth getting quotes from
both sources.
How do I find out my property's flood zone?
You can determine your property's official flood zone designation by visiting FEMA's Flood Map
Service Center at msc.fema.gov, where you can search by address. Flood zones are classified as
high-risk (Zones A and V), moderate- to low-risk (Zones B, C, and X), or undetermined risk. Keep
in mind that flood maps are periodically updated, so your zone may change. If you believe your
property has been incorrectly mapped, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
through FEMA.
How do I file a flood insurance claim?
If your property sustains flood damage, follow these steps: (1) Contact your insurance agent or
insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process. (2)
Document all damage thoroughly with photos and videos before making any repairs. (3) Make
only temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage — keep all receipts. (4) An insurance
adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property and assess the covered losses. (5) You will
receive a claim payment based on your policy's coverage terms and deductible. Filing promptly
and thoroughly documenting damage are the most important steps to ensure a smooth claims
experience.
Can I transfer my flood insurance policy if I sell my home?
Yes. An NFIP flood insurance policy for a building can be transferred to the new buyer when you
sell your home — this can be a valuable selling point, particularly if the property is in a high-risk
zone. However, you cannot transfer your existing NFIP policy to a new home if you move, since
premiums are specific to each individual property and its associated flood risk. A new buyer or
new homeowner will need to set up their own policy for a different property.
Will federal disaster assistance cover my flood losses if I don't have insurance?
Not necessarily — and not adequately. Federal disaster assistance is only available when the
President officially declares a federal disaster, which does not happen after every flood event.
Even when assistance is declared, FEMA disaster grants are typically limited. The average FEMA
disaster assistance payout is around $5,100, compared to the average NFIP flood insurance claim
payment of approximately $29,000. Federal disaster assistance is not a substitute for flood
insurance and should not be relied upon as a replacement for a proper policy.
These FAQ'is are intended as a general educational resource. Coverage details vary by policy and
provider. Always consult a licensed insurance professional with The Firebird Agency for advice
specific to your property.
This FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Coverage terms, exclusions, and availability vary by insurer and state. Consult a licensed insurance professional at The Firebird Agency for guidance specific to your situation.
Request a Quote
Tell us a little about what you need for Flood Insurance and our team will follow up with next steps.
While our offices are located in Arizona and California, we are licensed all over the country.
