A standard homeowners policy does not cover damage from rising water. Flood coverage is a separate policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
The 30-day wait
A new policy from the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. There are some exceptions, such as when flood insurance is required as part of closing on a home loan. If a storm is already in the forecast, it is usually too late to buy coverage that will apply to it.
You don't need to be in a flood zone
Flooding happens outside high-risk zones too. You can look up your property's official flood zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, but a lower-risk zone does not mean no risk.
What to do now
Ask us for a flood quote alongside your home insurance review. We can also check whether your contents, not just your house, are covered.