The Virginia Home Insurance Flood Gap Nobody Explains

The short answer

Standard home insurance policies in Virginia do not cover flooding. You must buy a separate flood policy to protect your home from outside water. You should also check your policy for water backup coverage for drains.

What happens when water gets inside?

Your insurance treats different types of water damage in different ways.

• Sudden water from inside the house: If a pipe bursts or a water heater fails, your policy usually covers it. These are sudden and accidental events. You should know where your main water shutoff valve is.
• Water that backs up: If water comes up through a drain or sump pump, your policy will not pay unless you buy a water backup endorsement. An endorsement is an add on to your policy that gives you extra coverage. This is a common gap for homes with finished basements.
• Flood: This is water from outside that enters your home from the ground up. This includes river overflow or heavy rain on the street. A standard home policy excludes this. You must buy a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private company.

Why is my house at risk for flooding?

Flood maps change over time based on history. Being outside of a mapped high risk zone does not mean your home is safe. Things like local drainage and hills matter too. A house at the bottom of a hill can flood if a storm drain gets blocked. Lenders only require flood insurance if you live in a high risk zone. Many people skip it when it is not required, but they often regret that decision later.

What do companies ask for a quote?

Insurance companies want to know about your home before they give you a price. They check these items:

• How old your roof is and what it is made of.
• The year your home was built and if you updated the electrical or plumbing systems.
• If you live in the home or rent it to others.
• Any claims you made in the past.
• How far you live from a fire hydrant or fire station.
• If you run a business from your home.

What is a hurricane deductible?

Coastal properties often have a separate deductible for named storms or hurricanes. A deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance company pays for a claim. This is often a percentage of your total coverage limit. If your home is covered for $500,000, a two percent deductible means you pay $10,000. Check this amount before storm season starts.

What to do next

1. Look at your declarations page to check for water backup coverage and flood insurance.
2. Visit our home insurance page to see how we help.
3. Speak with a licensed representative to compare costs for your home and flood insurance.