When people hear the word "flood," they often think of any situation where water damages their home. Insurance companies, however, use a much narrower definition. Knowing the difference between everyday use and insurance language can prevent confusion when filing a claim with your insurance representative at Insurance Solutions LLC, serving Omaha, NE.
How Insurance Defines a Flood
In insurance terms, a flood occurs when water covers at least two acres of land that is usually dry or impacts at least two separate properties. The water must come from outside the home, such as a river overflowing its banks, storm surge from the ocean, heavy rain pooling on the ground, or even a mudflow. Essentially, the water rises from the ground up, not from a broken appliance or roof leak inside the house.
Situations That Don’t Qualify
A common source of frustration is finding out that not all water damage is treated as a flood. For example, a pipe bursting in a wall or rain seeping through damaged shingles would not meet the definition. Those situations may be covered under standard homeowners policies or require an optional endorsement. Sewer or drain backups are another gray area, and they typically require a separate type of protection. This difference often surprises homeowners who assume any water damage automatically falls under flood insurance.
Why the Definition Is Important
Because homeowners’ policies typically exclude flood coverage, the only way to be protected is by purchasing a separate flood policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. The definition determines whether your claim will be approved or denied, so understanding it before disaster strikes is critical.
A flood in everyday conversation is not always the same as a flood in insurance language. Since policies draw clear lines between types of water damage, taking the time to review your coverage can help prevent expensive mistakes. If your property might be at risk, consider discussing flood insurance with your insurance representative at Insurance Solutions LLC, serving Omaha, NE.
