Buying a home in a flood zone often comes with a lender requirement to carry flood insurance, but the policy itself deserves close attention. Flood zones are based on risk, not certainty, and insurance coverage can vary widely depending on the property, location, and policy limits.

What Flood Insurance Actually Covers

Flood insurance usually covers damage caused by rising water from external sources, such as heavy rain, storm surges, or overflowing bodies of water. Many buyers assume it works like homeowners insurance, but it does not. Coverage for personal belongings, basements, and certain structural features may be limited or excluded. Knowing what is and is not covered helps prevent costly surprises. 

Policy Limits and Real Repair Costs

Flood insurance policies have coverage caps that may fall short of full rebuilding or replacement costs. In high-risk areas, repair expenses can exceed policy limits quickly. Reviewing these limits before buying helps you assess whether additional coverage or savings are needed. 

Deductibles, Waiting Periods, and Claims Rules

Flood insurance often includes higher deductibles than standard homeowners policies. Most policies also have waiting periods before coverage begins, meaning you cannot buy a policy right before a storm. Claims must follow specific documentation rules, and missing deadlines can affect payouts.

Changes in Risk and Future Premiums

Flood risk can change over time due to development, weather patterns, and updated mapping. Premiums may rise even if you have never filed a claim. Reading the policy closely helps you understand long-term costs and how changes could affect affordability.

Bartal Insurance is Proud to Serve Scranton, PA

If you’re looking for flood insurance in Scranton, PA, we’re glad you found us. At Bartal Insurance, we’re here to help with all of your insurance needs. Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment with an agent.

Water has the potential to do more damage than fire. Whether water exposure is from heavy rain, a leak or a hurricane, it can ruin an entire Scranton, PA living space. 

The average person doesn’t know if flood insurance is different from hurricane insurance, and for good reason. There is a general assumption that all water damage is the same.

Let’s cut to the truth of the matter.

Floods Are Not the Same as Hurricanes

Damage caused by water from a hurricane is considered different from damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is completely separate from hurricane insurance. Every homeowner should be aware that standard home insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding.

Distinct flood insurance policies are available from insurance providers such as Bartal Insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP for short.

Recognize the Value of Flood Insurance

Flood insurance covers the cost of damage to contents within a home. The insurance pays out in accordance with the value of possessions minus depreciation. 
There is also the potential to add replacement cost coverage. Such coverage replaces property lost during flooding with brand new property without accounting for depreciation.

Hurricane Insurance Isn’t Limited to Water

One of the primary distinctions between hurricane insurance and flood insurance is that hurricane insurance includes damage caused by wind and storms. Flood damage is not a core component of hurricane coverage.

Though flood insurance is often stereotyped as egregiously expensive, it is often worth every penny. Get several quotes for hurricane insurance and flood insurance, compare the coverages and rates, and you’ll have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Get Your Quote From Bartal Insurance

Your personalized insurance quote is a call away. Contact us to learn more about our coverage options in and around Scranton, PA.