If you live where it rains, you need flood insurance 

Many wait to think about flooding until it's too late. Flood insurance is a must-have for Florida homeowners. Many people are mistaken to assume that their renter’s or homeowner’s insurance covers damage caused by flooding. However, this is a mistaken assumption: homeowner’s and renter’s insurance very often do not include damage caused by flooding, because of the given frequent storms and damages. Floridians are in particular, susceptible to very frequent storms and flooding damage. And so, it is extremely important to ensure that you are covered and protected from damages due to uncontrolled flooding.

Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions.  The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance.

There are two primary types of coverage available under flood insurance that be
purchased through the NFIP. The building coverage portion of the policy protects the
actual physical structure of your home and will pay for any repairs as a result of a flood.
The contents coverage of the policy is protection for the actual contents of your house.
It would pay to repair or replace your belongings that are damaged by a flood.

What is not Covered by Flood Insurance

Any damage caused to your house or items due to some leakage, seepage, or another kind
of water damage not caused by floods isn’t covered. Even if the wind-driven rain causes the
damage, you cannot seek flood insurance claim against it.

Flood Options with The Insurance Ladies

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was the only source for flood insurance.  Recently, more private flood products have become available.  Options is a good thing,  the NFIP has limitations including a $250,000 replacement cost, no loss of use coverage, limited other structures coverage, 30 day waiting periods, and costly elevation certificate requirements.