Homeowners: Is Flood Insurance a Must-Have?
We proudly serve residents of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Illinois & Florida.
Your home is more than just a building – it’s a sanctuary, a place of safety, and where memories are made. Your house represents a significant investment and it is crucial to protect your home with insurance, especially against the risk of floods.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about flood insurance in New Hampshire, including what it is, how it works, and what it covers. We’ll also explore the cost and why you might need it, whether you’re a homeowner or not.
Do You Need Flood Insurance?
In New Hampshire, you may think that you don’t need flood insurance if you don’t live near a river or the Seacoast (Rye, Hampton, Portsmouth, Seabrook). However, flooding can happen anywhere, even in areas where it hasn’t occurred before, due to hurricanes, extended periods of rain, or other factors. In fact, 25% of flood insurance claims come from low to moderate-risk areas. Therefore, it’s wise to consider purchasing flood insurance even if you’re not required to do so.
Is Flood Insurance Required?
If your home is located in an area that is prone to flooding, your mortgage lender will require you to purchase flood insurance as a condition of your loan. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance coverage and is available to homeowners and renters in communities that participate in the program. At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, we represent FEMA and we also represent many private insurance companies that sell flood insurance policies to homeowners and renters in New Hampshire.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance covers damage to your property caused by flooding, which is defined as an excess of water on land that is typically dry. Flood insurance will protect your home and its contents, including furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and other valuables. NFIP policies offer building property coverage of up to $250,000 and personal contents coverage of up to $100,000. If you need additional coverage, you can purchase it from a private insurer.
What Does Flood Insurance Not Cover?
It’s important to understand that flood insurance only covers damage caused by a flood. If your home is damaged by water from a burst pipe or sewer backup, you will need separate insurance policies to cover those events. Flood insurance also does not cover vehicles, outdoor property, landscaping, or detached structures on your property. Additionally, mold, mildew, or other water damage that could have been avoided will typically not be covered. Depending on the specifics of your policy, items stored in a below-ground room (like a basement or crawl space) may not be covered.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
The cost of your flood insurance policy will depend on several factors, including your home’s location, the type of coverage you need, and the amount of coverage you purchase. At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, our trusted advisors make it easy to find the perfect flood insurance policy for your needs. We can provide you with a free quote and help you understand the costs and benefits of each policy.
Conclusion
Homeowners in New Hampshire and throughout New England need to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes and valuables from the risk of floods. Even if you’re not required to purchase flood insurance, it’s wise to do so to safeguard your home against damage.
At Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance, we’re committed to helping homeowners in New Hampshire find the right flood insurance policy for their needs. Contact us today to learn more about flood insurance and how we can help you protect your home.
