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Renew flood insurance policy

What's flood insurance?

Flood insurance may protect your home and belongings when rising water from outside causes damage. It can help cover the cost of repairs and replacing damaged items when floodwaters are gone.

Who needs insurance for flood damage?

Floods are one of the the costliest severe weather events in the U.S., and they can happen anywhere. Whether you're a property owner or a renter, you should consider it. There are policies that cover your physical home, the contents inside, or both.

And if you're a homeowner, your mortgage company may require you to buy flood insurance depending on where you live.

There are several ways to get flood insurance.

You can get flood insurance through the government's NFIP or through private insurance. You can also add excess coverage through a private insurer if you think your home costs more than $250,000 to rebuild. USAA offers coverage through the NFIP, and the USAA Insurance Agency can help you get coverage from a private insurer. There are eligibility and coverage differences, but we'll help you figure out which one is right for you.

  • NFIP

    • Coverage up to $250,000 for your home
    • Up to $100,000 for home contents at actual cash value
    • Available in all states, wherever a community participates
    • Annual premium paid up front
    • Typical 30-day waiting period before it takes effect

  • Private

    • Higher coverage and options limits sometimes available
    • Could cover home contents at replacement cost
    • May not be available in all states
    • Premium payment plans sometimes available
    • Waiting period depends on insurer

What can flood insurance cover?

Different insurers have different coverage, so it's important to review your policy. You'll want to know what's covered and for how much.

  • Appliances and cabinets
  • Carpet and flooring
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Heating and air systems
  • Furniture
  • Clothes
  • Electronics
  • Some valuables like jewelry and artwork

What can flood insurance cover?

Different insurers have different coverage, so it's important to review your policy. You'll want to know what's covered and for how much.

  • Appliances and cabinets
  • Carpet and flooring
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Heating and air systems
  • Furniture
  • Clothes
  • Electronics
  • Some valuables like jewelry and artwork

Here's why you should get flood insurance.

  • Floods are common.

    Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. They happen more often than tornadoes, earthquakes or hurricanes. Floods can even be caused by another natural disaster.

  • It's not typically included in other policies.

    Flood insurance must be purchased separately from most property policies like condo, mobile home, landlord and homeowners.

  • It isn't just for coastal areas.

    In the past five years, floods have affected all 50 states.See note1

Floods can happen anywhere.

Here are a few climates and circumstances where flooding could happen.

  • Melting snow and ice

    Live in an area with snowy winters? Come spring, that snow can easily turn into water that can flood your basement or other areas of your home.

  • Heavy rain following draught

    Land that's been dry for a long time can get overwhelmed by heavy rains. When the soil doesn't absorb water, it doesn't take much rain to cause flash floods.

  • Tropical storms or hurricanes in coastal areas

    Living along coastal areas means dealing with massive storms. Even if you live inland, a stalled storm can wreak havoc, flooding oversaturated ground.

  • Land development

    As land gets built up, there's less open soil to soak up rainwater. This can redirect water drainage, and your neighborhood could be in its new path.

  • After a wildfire

    Wildfires remove plants and trees that reduce water runoff. When the ground is barren and charred, it's unable to absorb water, which increases the chance of flash floods and mudslides.

Things to think about when you get a flood insurance quote

We'll help you find coverage to fit your budget and provide peace of mind.

  • What affects a premium?

    Your premium is determined by things like the amount of coverage, your deductible, cost to rebuild your home and its location.

  • Lender requirements

    If your mortgage company requires you to have flood insurance, find out how much coverage is required and if your premium will be added to your mortgage payments.

  • Your deductible

    One of the easiest ways to lower a premium is to have a higher deductible. Check with your insurer to find out if a higher deductible is available. But remember, you'll need to have enough funds in the bank to cover your deductible if you need to make a claim.

  • Your coverage

    Keep in mind that it only takes an inch of water to cause thousands of dollars in damage. So, make sure you have enough to cover repair costs.

Flood insurance FAQ

Additional resources