From flash floods to roof leaks, we’ve all heard the stories of someone who lost their home to water. The most commonly asked question we get in this case is what is flood damage vs water damage? Let’s dive in… no pun intended.

Flood Damage

Flood damage is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or two or more properties from:

  • Overflow of inland or tidal waters
  • Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
  • Mudflow
  • Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or a 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”

In other words, a flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is normally dry.

Water Damage

Water damage is typically damage that occurs from a water source before it comes in contact with the ground. For example:

  • A roof leak caused by a severe thunderstorm
  • A pipe burst in your home and damaged the ceiling and walls
  • A toilet overflows and soaks your floorboards

To put it simply, the difference between flood damage and water damage is where the water comes from.

What does this have to do with your insurance coverage?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for water damage but not flood damage. Flood damage usually requires separate coverage known as flood insurance.

Different types of flood insurance policies are available based on your property’s location and flood history:

  1. Standard Flood Insurance Policies – If you live in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), your building and its contents can be covered by a standard flood insurance policy.
  2. Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policies – If your home or business is in a low or moderate risk zone, your building may qualify for a low-cost preferred risk policy.

At Gannon Associates Insurance we strive to secure the most appropriate coverage for you. To do so, we make it our top priority to understand your individual needs—because, let’s face it, every home and homeowner is different. To get a flood insurance quote give us a call at 844-GANNONS or click here.