The damage caused to a home by a flood is not covered by homeowners insurance.

A flood is “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”

Whether you live near a body of water or not, every home lies in a flood zone and has the risk of being flooded. Many flood related claims are miles from the nearest body of water. You can protect yourself with the purchase of a flood insurance policy. The rates are set by the National Flood Insurance Program. (NFIP)

Flood insurance can be purchased for your building and contents. Flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so don’t delay and wait for the next storm before deciding to purchase a policy.