Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance partnership with the National Flood Insurance Program
Liberty Mutual is part of the WYO (Write Your Own) Program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in all 50 states, in over 21,000 communities. Our participation in this program allows us to provide and serve NFIP policies that can keep you protected from costly damage.Do I need flood insurance?
- Just one inch of water in an average home can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
- Flooding can happen anywhere. More than 25% of flood insurance claims come from outside a high-risk flood area.
- Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States.
- If you suffer a flood, you can seek federal disaster assistance, but it may not be enough to make a full recovery. Most homeowners policies don't cover food losses, only flood insurance covers the cost of flood damage.
What should I know about flood insurance?
- A homeowners policy does not protect against loss or damage from a flood.
- With a flood policy from the NFIP, you're covered up to $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for belongings.
Looking for some advice? We can help.
How to prevent a water backup in your home
What you need in a home safety kit
Common flood insurance questions
According to NFIP, flood insurance coverage for homeowners living in moderate to low-risk flood areas can be as low as $325 a year.
No matter where you live though, flood insurance is affordable, and less expensive than you might expect. Contact your Liberty Mutual representative who can provide you with a no-obligation rate quote. You can also visit FEMA's website for a chart of estimated premiums and additional information.
There is usually a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy can become effective.
Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster, and more than 90% of all disasters are not Presidentially declared. Even when a disaster is declared, government assistance is provided as a loan that you must pay back with interest. Flood insurance, however, will cover damages even if a disaster is not declared.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. In fact, your home is more likely to be damaged from flood than from a fire. Floods are caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, dam or levee failure.
- Install backflow valves or standpipes.
- Landscape with native plants and vegetation that resist soil erosion.
- Maintain a sump pump system if you have below-grade floors.
- Install flood shields or built-up barriers for basement windows and doors.
- Raise your washer and dryer, water heater, oil tank, furnace or any electrical wiring on concrete blocks, above the base flood elevation.
Additional flood insurance resources from FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program:
Why you should buy flood insurance
National Flood Insurance Program Flood Insurance Cost Calculator