Why Does Home Owners Insurance Exclude River Flooding and Hurricane Damage?

A property that is usually dry gets flooded when it gets submerged with an overflow of water. It is not only the most common severe weather event worldwide but also the deadliest.

Many lives and properties are lost to floods every year. Events such as rains, hurricanes, tsunamis and others trigger them. The overflowing water can be only a few inches or high enough to sweep away cars, buildings, and other properties.

Homeowners should have a fair idea about what their property insurance policies cover or not. Many companies don’t cater for damage by river floods and hurricane damage under a ‘water damage‘ clause.

Why Does Home Owners Insurance Exclude River Flooding and Hurricane Damage

Reasons Why Insurance Companies Have Water Damage Exclusions

Insurance companies give two main reasons for excluding floods and hurricanes from most homeowner policies.

  1. Frequency of floods

Floods are frequent in the United States. Reports show that the country gets hit with urban flooding events at least once every two to three days for the past 25 years. This number is higher in flood-prone areas.

Natural disasters cause a lot of damage. The frequency and cost involved in dealing with it spell financial suicide for any single insurance company that covers it under their policies.

  1. Prevention Mechanism

Property owners should undertake landscaping to ensure that water efficiently drains away from their assets.

Insurance companies feel that covering floods and hurricanes will not encourage people to apply due diligence against these disasters when acquiring a property.

It will only be natural since the consequences will not be at their expense.

What Options Exist for Home Owners Who Face Such Natural Disasters?

This situation doesn’t mean there is no safety net for unfortunate homeowners whose properties get flooded in natural disasters.

There are ways to insure your property to prevent you from losing everything when such events occur.

  • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

NFIP offers coverage for people living in a floodplain. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) handles this program in collaboration with about 90 private insurance companies.

These organizations are authorized to offer their clients NFIP. It has a fixed policy rate that considers factors such as age, structure type, level of risk for floods, etc.

Homeowners, therefore, receive the same conditions regardless of the company that makes the offer.

  • Flood Insurance

People can also purchase policies for protection against floods and hurricanes. This is commonly known as flood insurance.

If your property is in a high-risk zone, some lenders will require such insurance before giving you a mortgage.

It is available to people who own both residential and commercial structures. There is also an option for covering your properties within these structures.

Conclusion

Even though insurance companies exclude these natural disasters in their structure policies, it doesn’t mean all water-related damages are not covered. You can receive an insurance cover for specific kinds of water damage.

An example is when a pipe bursts in your property. Many policies cover such an event as well as other plumbing accidents.

Some companies also cover certain types of hurricane-related damages.

You only need to know and understand what offers are available for which conditions. Contact an insurance agent for a full breakdown.

  • FAQ on Water Damage

    How Can You Cleanup Water Damage on Your Own?

    Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, there are some things that you can do to clean up the damage and prevent further damage from occurring. The first thing that you need to do is to remove any wet items from the area. This includes carpeting, furniture, draperies, and anything else that is wet. Once you have removed these items, you need to dry the area as much as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from the area. You can also use fans to help dry the area. Once the area is dry, you need to disinfect it. This can be done by using a bleach solution or a disinfectant. Once the area is dry and disinfected, you need to repair any damage that has been done. This includes any holes in the walls or ceilings. You also need to repair any damaged flooring. If you have any questions about how to cleanup water damage, you should contact a professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you repair the damage.

    How fast does mold grow after a water leak?

    Under the right conditions, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Factors that contribue to mold growth include the temperature of the area impacted by water damage and the types of materials that are saturated.

    What happens if you leave water damage?

    Leaving water damage untreated will cause it to spread, potentially damaging other areas of your home. Additionally, long-term exposure to water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

    What is the best way to dry out water damage?

    The first step is to remove the water source. If the water is coming from a leaky pipe, then you will need to fix the pipe. If the water is coming from a flood, then you will need to wait for the water to recede. Once the water source has been removed, you will need to dry out the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by using fans and dehumidifiers. You will also need to remove any wet items from the area, such as carpeting, furniture, or clothing.

    How can you tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage

    You can tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage if it is sagging, discolored, or has water stains. A professional restoration contractor can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect wet spots and hidden water damage.