Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Floods? (The Shocking Truth)

Think your homeowners insurance has you covered if a flood hits your neighborhood?
What if we told you that it probably doesn’t — and you won’t find out until it’s too late?

Most people assume their homeowners insurance protects them from whatever nature throws their way. After all, it’s insurance, right? But here’s the truth that surprises thousands of homeowners each year:

👉  Standard homeowners insurance does  not  cover flood damage.
And if you’re not prepared with the right policy, the costs can be overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll explain what your policy likely includes (and excludes), how flood insurance actually works, how FEMA fits into the picture, and what you can do today to protect your home and savings.

What Does a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover?

Typical homeowners insurance covers a wide range of hazards — fire, theft, wind, hail, and certain types of water damage. But “water damage” is a tricky phrase. It usually only refers to water that comes from  inside  your home, like:

  • A burst pipe
  • An overflowing sink
  • A broken appliance

When water enters from  outside  — from flash floods, heavy rain, river overflow, or storm surge — you’re likely out of luck.

The  Insurance Information Institute  confirms this: floods are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. That means any structural or personal property damage caused by rising water is your responsibility unless you have a separate flood policy.

What Is Flood Insurance — and Who Needs It?

Flood insurance is a separate policy specifically designed to cover water damage from natural flooding events. These policies can be purchased through the  National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)  or through private insurers.

Here’s what a typical flood policy may cover:

  • Damage to your home’s foundation, walls, floors, and mechanical systems
  • Replacement of appliances, flooring, and some personal belongings
  • Cleanup costs after floodwaters recede

Many people believe flood insurance is only necessary for those living near rivers or in high-risk zones. But here’s the kicker:  more than 1 in 5 flood insurance claims come from properties  outside  high-risk flood areas , according to FEMA.

You can check your property’s flood risk using FEMA’s  Flood Map Service Center.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Flood Coverage?

Imagine a severe storm floods your basement and damages your HVAC system, flooring, and furniture. The cleanup alone could cost tens of thousands. But when you call your insurance company, they tell you the damage isn’t covered.

You’re left with few options:

  • Pay out of pocket
  • Apply for federal disaster aid (which is often limited and in loan form)
  • Try to salvage what’s left with minimal resources

Even worse, many homeowners find out their policy doesn’t include flood coverage  after  the flood has already happened. At that point, it’s simply too late to get the protection you really need.

How FEMA Works (And What It Doesn’t Do)

Many people think:  “If a disaster strikes, FEMA will step in and help, right?”
Yes — but probably not in the way you think.

The  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  does offer assistance to homeowners after major disasters, but only if:

  • The area is officially declared a federal disaster zone
  • You apply for aid within the required timeframe
  • Your damage qualifies under their guidelines

Even then, FEMA aid is often limited to a small grant or, more commonly,  a low-interest loan  — not full reimbursement for your losses.

You can learn more about what FEMA offers (and doesn’t) at the official  FEMA website.

Bottom line:  FEMA is a safety net — not a replacement for proper flood insurance.

3 Steps to Protect Yourself Before the Water Rises

  1. Review your current policy today.  Don’t assume you’re covered — confirm what’s included and what’s not.
  2. Get a flood insurance quote.  You can compare pricing through the  NFIP  or talk to your agent about private market options. In many areas, premiums are lower than you’d expect.
  3. Understand your true flood risk.  Even if your mortgage lender doesn’t require flood insurance, that doesn’t mean your home is safe. Use FEMA’s flood maps and consider local elevation, drainage, and weather trends.

Don’t Wait Until the Water’s at Your Door

Most people never think they’ll need flood insurance — until they do. Kathy and I have worked with families who were completely blindsided by what their policies didn’t include. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you review your coverage  before  the unexpected happens.

And if you’re working with someone — a friend, a client, a neighbor — who’s unsure about their insurance,  please send them our way . We’re always here to help.

Because when it comes to protecting your home, being shocked now is better than being devastated later.

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance