Nadler Insurance

Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage. Whether you're near a creek, in a low-lying area, or just want protection from the unexpected, a dedicated flood policy fills that gap.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Building Coverage

Covers your home's structure — foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and permanently installed features like cabinets and flooring.

Contents Coverage

Covers your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions damaged by flood. Available separately or with building coverage.

Basement Coverage

Limited coverage for basement items. Typically covers only essential items like furnaces, water heaters, and some appliances — not finished living spaces.

Replacement Cost vs. ACV

Some policies offer replacement cost for building coverage. Contents are typically covered at actual cash value (depreciated value) unless you pay more.

Understanding Your Flood Risk

The Bay Area has creeks, storm drains, and varying elevations that can create flood risk even outside official flood zones. Climate change is making extreme weather events more common.

  • Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage to your home.
  • Flood zones change. Your home may be at higher risk than when you bought it.
  • Atmospheric rivers are becoming more intense, bringing heavy rainfall to California.

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance

NFIP (Federal Flood Insurance)

  • • Available to most property owners in participating communities
  • • Maximum $250,000 building / $100,000 contents
  • • Standardized coverage and pricing
  • • 30-day waiting period typically
  • • Backed by the federal government

Private Flood Insurance

  • • Higher coverage limits available
  • • May offer replacement cost on contents
  • • Shorter waiting periods possible
  • • Often covers loss of use / additional living expenses
  • • Pricing varies — may be cheaper or more expensive than NFIP

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't flood covered by homeowners insurance?
Like earthquake, flood is excluded from standard homeowners policies due to concentrated risk and catastrophic loss potential. A separate flood policy is required — either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
What is the NFIP?
The National Flood Insurance Program is a federal program administered by FEMA that provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners. NFIP policies are sold through insurance agents but backed by the federal government.
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a flood zone?
About 25% of flood claims come from outside high-risk flood zones. Heavy rain, overwhelmed storm drains, or nearby creek overflow can cause flooding anywhere. Even if not required by your mortgage lender, flood insurance may be a smart investment.
What's the difference between NFIP and private flood insurance?
NFIP offers standardized coverage with maximum limits of $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. Private flood insurance may offer higher limits, lower deductibles, replacement cost on contents, and sometimes lower premiums — but availability varies.
Is there a waiting period for flood insurance?
NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Some private policies have shorter waiting periods. You can't buy flood insurance when a storm is approaching and expect immediate coverage.

Ready to protect your home from flooding?

We'll compare NFIP and private options to find the right coverage for your property.

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