Do I Really need Flood Insurance?

Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize about flood coverage.

When people think about flood insurance in Florida, they usually picture oceanfront homes right in the path of hurricanes. But the truth is, flood risk stretches far beyond the coast. In fact, flooding can happen almost anywhere in the state, even in neighborhoods that have never flooded before.

At Omni One Insurance, one of the most common questions we hear is, “If I’m not near the water, do I really need flood insurance?” It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve never had an issue in the past. But the answer is almost always yes, and here’s why.

Why Homeowners Insurance Isn't Enough

A standard homeowners insurance policy offers protection for things like fire, wind, and theft, but it does not cover damage caused by flooding. That means if a major rainstorm, hurricane surge, or even rising groundwater causes water to enter your home, your homeowners insurance won’t help with repairs or replacements. Without flood insurance, the financial burden is entirely yours. 

Even Low-Risk Areas Get Hit

Even if your property isn’t in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone, that doesn’t mean you’re safe. In fact: 

  • A quarter of all flood insurance claims come from homes outside high-risk zones.
  • Florida is flat, rainy, and close to sea level, which makes flooding more common across the board.
  • New developments and outdated drainage can change local flood patterns quickly.

Lenders might not require flood insurance if your home is in a lower-risk area, but that’s exactly where coverage is often more affordable, and still valuable. 

Just because your mortgage lender doesn’t require flood insurance doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it. In many cases, homes outside high-risk zones can qualify for lower premiums, making flood coverage both accessible and affordable. 

What Flood Insurance Covers

Flood insurance is designed to protect both the structure of your home and, depending on your policy, the contents inside. It typically covers damage to the building itself, like walls, floors, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as certain appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators. You can also add contents coverage to protect personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. Together, these policies can go a long way in helping you recover from a flood without having to drain your savings or take on debt. 

What to Expect in Terms of Cost

The cost of flood insurance varies depending on several factors, including your home’s location, elevation, usage, age, and how much coverage you choose. But for many homeowners, especially those in lower-risk areas, coverage can be more affordable than expected. Considering how expensive water damage can be, it’s a small investment that can offer major peace of mind. 

Let’s Take a Look at Your Coverage

Flood insurance is one of those things that doesn’t seem urgent… until it’s too late. If you’re not sure whether you have coverage or want to explore your options, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through your current flood risk, explain what’s covered, and help you figure out how flood insurance fits into your overall protection plan. 

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

It’s important to remember that most flood insurance policies come with a waiting period, so you can’t buy coverage at the last minute. If a storm is already on the radar, it may be too late. That’s why the best time to act is before flooding becomes a threat.

Contact us to schedule a flood insurance review or request a quote. We’ll walk you through your options and help you feel confident that your home, belongings, and finances are protected, rain or shine.