How Variable Life Insurance Works: Pros and Cons
Variable life insurance, also called variable appreciable life insurance, provides lifelong coverage, as well as a cash value account. See... Read More
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance protects your home and belongings from damage caused by flooding. Regular home insurance doesn't typically cover flood damage.
You may need flood insurance if your home is in a high-risk flood area and you have a federally backed mortgage, like an FHA or VA loan.
How to buy flood insurance
- Through the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Private insurance company
Until recently, private flood insurance was typically very expensive. But it may be a good option if you need more coverage than an NFIP policy can provide. [/column] [/column]
At ValuePenguin, our experts can help you decide whether you need to get flood insurance. We can also help you find the best and most affordable options for flood insurance.
Compare top NFIP insurance companies
The federal government runs the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, NFIP policies are sold by private insurance companies.
The average cost of an NFIP flood insurance policy is $82 per month or $985 per year.
However, flood insurance rates vary based on the state where you live, the style of your home and how close you live to a body of water.
Your quote for NFIP insurance will be the same regardless of which company sells you a policy.
So, you should focus on finding a company that offers excellent customer service when shopping for insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
You should consider getting flood and home insurance from the same company. It will make your life much easier if you have a major emergency and you have to file both a home and flood insurance claim.
An example would be if a hurricane causes wind and water damage to your house. Your homeowners insurance policy would pay for the wind damage, while flood insurance would cover the water damage.
Find Cheap Homeowners Insurance Quotes in Your Area
Best NFIP flood insurance companies for customer service
Frequently asked questions
What is flood insurance coverage?
Flood insurance is a special type of insurance that protects your home. It covers damage to your home and your personal property from flooding. Regular home insurance usually doesn't cover flood damage.
What is the difference between flood insurance and homeowners insurance?
Flood insurance protects your home and belongings from damage caused by flood water. Homeowners insurance protects against many other types of damage, like fire, smoke and vandalism. But most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage.
What is the difference between NFIP and private flood insurance?
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance is backed by the federal government. It's usually cheaper than private flood insurance. And the NFIP won't cancel your flood insurance policy after you make a claim.
Private companies typically offer higher coverage limits, which could be necessary if you have an expensive home or valuable items.
Flood Insurance Research & Advice
Life Insurance for Your Family and Children
There are several ways to purchase life insurance for your family, including whole life insurance for your children, a joint life insurance... Read More
Are Life Insurance Proceeds Taxable? Cases in Which Life Insurance is Taxed
Life insurance proceeds are typically not taxable as income, but there are several cases in which a life insurance death benefit or policy... Read More
Should I Buy Group and Supplemental Life Insurance?
Group and supplemental life insurance from your employer can provide coverage at discounted rates. But should you buy individual term life... Read More
How Much Life Insurance Do You Actually Need?
Your life insurance policy should include enough to cover the money your family relies on you for, plus your end-of-life expenses, if... Read More
Flood Zones & How They Affect Insurance
Your FEMA flood zone is used to determine whether you're required to purchase flood insurance. However, it's no longer used to calculate... Read More
What is Universal Life Insurance? Pros and Cons
Universal life insurance offers permanent coverage similar to whole life insurance, but it has better rates and the opportunity to pay... Read More
What Happens to my Debt When I Die? Is it Forgiven or Transferable?
When you die, some debts are forgiven, but most are collected from your estate. If your loans are larger than the value of your estate,... Read More
Do You Need to Have Boat Insurance?
Most states don't require boat insurance. However, your bank or marina may require... Read More
Methodology
To find the average cost of flood insurance in the U.S., ValuePenguin studied data published by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).