Many homeowners assume their insurance will cover any damage after a hurricane or storm. However, the type of insurance you have matters.

Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover Flooding

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover:

• Wind damage
• Fire damage
• Structural damage from storms

However, flood damage is typically excluded.

To be covered for flooding, homeowners must have a separate flood insurance policy.

Flood Insurance Requirements

If you live in a designated flood zone, your mortgage lender will usually require flood insurance. If you do not live in a flood zone, purchasing flood insurance is optional but often recommended.

Even properties outside flood zones can experience flooding during severe storms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to take the place of legal advice. It is designed to inform you with basic information regarding hurricane preparedness and ways to protect yourself as a homeowner or renter after a disaster.

Need Legal Help?

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farmworkers statewide.

FRLS office locations:

• Belle Glade
• Fort Myers
• Port St. Lucie
• Immokalee
• Lakeland
• West Palm Beach

Our offices serve the following counties: Lee, Polk, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Indian River, Highlands, Hardee, Hendry, Charlotte, Desoto, and Glades.

You can contact us on our Intake Hotline at 1-888-582-3410.