Does Flood Insurance Cover Both the Interior and Exterior of a Property?

Floods tend to be out of mind as they are almost always out of sight. However, when a flood occurs, it has the potential to upend homes and lives. 

If you are like most people living in Parkersburg, WV, you aren’t exactly sure what flood insurance covers. Here’s the inside scoop.

Interior and Exterior Coverage

Flood waters can damage both the interior and exterior of a home. Even if you aren’t in a flood zone, there is the potential for heavy rain or even a flash flood to send water gushing toward your home. Curtis Miller Insurance is here to help. 

Even if you have homeowner insurance or renters insurance, you still need flood insurance. Flood insurance provides protection against rushing water that otherwise would not be covered by a general insurance policy.

Flood insurance covers damage to interior items within the insured building. However, flood insurance does not cover damage to most items outside of the property. As an example, decks, pools, patios, fences, trees and septic systems are typically not covered.

Mind the Small Print

Flood insurance policies often include language that details some surprising coverages and gaps in protection. As an example, if your property has a underground furnished space, the insurance might not cover specific items such as paneling, carpeting, window treatments, floor coverings or book cases.

In general, flood insurance coverage for crawlspaces and basements tends to be limited. Do your homework before choosing a policy. The analysis should include notation of earth movement clauses detailing property loss when ground soil moves. Gradual soil erosion, water accumulation, sinkholes or landslides are distinct from floods and noted as such in policies.

Contact Curtis Miller Insurance

If you are in the Parkersburg, WV market for insurance, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today for a quote.