In the wake of record rain & widespread flooding,
Know What Your Insurance Covers
Flood damage is not covered by a homeowner’s policy
In the aftermath of torrential rain and local flooding, the Connecticut Insurance Department reminds policyholders to review their homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is covered.
In Connecticut, the peak hurricane season begins in mid-August and runs through late October. High winds, tree damage, hail, flooding, and runoff can bring devastating losses each year. Among all natural disasters, floods are the most common and most costly.
Policyholders should discuss with an agent or insurance company if their current coverage is appropriate and adequate. It's important to understand how insurance policies work and what is covered, should a homeowner or business sustain water damage or flooding.
While many of us managed to avoid the damaging effects of recent street flooding, there is a 30-day waiting period before the federal flood insurance policy takes effect, now is the time to purchase flood insurance to protect your home.
Homeowners, condo, and renter's insurance cover most types of damage including tornado, hurricanes, severe storms, rain, wind, and fires. Damage from flooding is excluded from homeowners, condo, and renter's insurance, but separate policies can be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
Your insurer can only cover what it knows you lost, which is why it is important to keep accurate records for filing claims in the future. Expensive items such as art, collectibles, or jewelry require additional coverage and must be appraised before getting a separate policy. You also should store your inventory record and insurer's contact information somewhere besides your house, or digitally where you can retrieve it at any time. There is also a smart phone home inventory APP to help with that.
If your automobile received water damage during a storm, comprehensive coverage pays for the damage, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, floods and theft. As comprehensive coverage It is not required by law, check your policy or contact your agent or insurer for details.
The Department’s “Be Prepared – Hurricane Season” page offers consumers numerous resources that address the risks of hurricane season.
You can also download the CTPrepares Mobile App to receive real-time emergency notifications and public safety messages.
Preparation to safeguard property includes:
- Make an inventory of belongings
- Keep your policy and insurance contact information in a safe place
- Review your policy with your agent or company to determine what is covered – Coverage FAQs
- Understand the claims process – Tips for Making a Storm Claim
- Determine whether you are at risk for floods and would need special flood insurance – most homeowners policies do NOT cover flooding