Inland Flood Insurance: Your Questions Answered

When you think of flooding, you might picture coastal communities or homes next to large rivers, but heavy rainfall, melting snow, and overflowing streams can send water across normally dry land almost anywhere.

And if that water reaches your home, you could also discover an unexpected gap in your insurance coverage. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about inland flooding and how you can better protect the place you call home.

What is an inland flood?

An inland flood occurs when normally dry land is temporarily covered by water because an overflowing stream or river, or heavy rain or snowmelt, causes surface water to accumulate or run off rapidly.

You do not need to live near a body of water to experience flood damage. Intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to collect in yards and other low-lying areas. Rapid snowmelt can also create a similar problem when the ground cannot absorb water quickly enough. Flood damage occurs when that accumulated water enters the home.

Doesn’t homeowners’ insurance cover flood damage?

Standard homeowners’ insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding.

The water source matters greatly. Water backup coverage and inland flood coverage address entirely different types of losses. Water backup coverage may not apply if, for example, an inland flood caused the sump pump to overflow.

An independent insurance agent can help you understand how these coverages work together and identify potential gaps in your policy. Find one here.

What can Limited Inland Flood Coverage help protect?

Subject to your selected limits and policy terms, Acuity’s Limited Inland Flood Coverage can help pay for:

• Damage to your home’s structure, including walls, floors, cabinets, and fixed appliances
• Damage to personal property inside your home, such as furniture
• Additional living expenses if your home is unfit to live in during covered repairs
• Removal of fungi, mold, or rot resulting from covered flood damage, subject to applicable limits

Learn more about Acuity’s Limited Inland Flood Coverage and the protection it may provide.

Is every type of water damage covered?

No. Limited Inland Flood Coverage is intended for qualifying flood events, not every situation involving water.

For example, this endorsement does not cover foundation seepage without evidence of flooding on the property. A sewer backup that is not caused by a flood may instead fall under applicable water backup and sump overflow coverage. Certain outdoor property, including decks, fences, lawns, landscaping, and personal belongings outside the home, may also be excluded.

If you experience a loss, photos of water lines, debris, or matted grass, along with weather or news reports, may help document the flooding. Acuity’s claims team can help guide you through the process.

Is Limited Inland Flood Coverage right for my home?

Coverage may be available to eligible homeowners, condo unit owners, tenants, and landlords with an Acuity policy that includes water backup and sump overflow coverage. Homes in or within 25 meters of a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area are not eligible, and availability may vary by state. This coverage does not replace flood insurance required through the National Flood Insurance Program.

The best way to understand your options is to talk with an independent insurance agent. Ask your agent what would happen if heavy rain or snowmelt sent surface water into your home and whether Limited Inland Flood Coverage could help close a gap in your protection.

Be ready before the water rises

No one wants to imagine floodwater entering their home. But understanding your coverage today can help make a difficult situation more manageable tomorrow.

Find a local independent agent to review your flood exposure and learn whether you are eligible to add Acuity’s Limited Inland Flood Coverage.

Coverage is subject to all policy terms, limits, conditions, and exclusions. Coverage options are not available in all states and may be added for an additional cost where applicable. Consult your insurance policy and agent for details.