Key Considerations for Homeowners Facing Flood Water Damage

Got flood water damage?

Flood damage costs the U.S. $180 to $496 billion every year. That’s a big range, and it shows how common and how serious flooding can be for homeowners everywhere.

Here’s the problem:

Most homeowners think their regular insurance policy covers flood damage. It doesn’t. And when something happens, they’re scrambling to figure out their next move.

The good news is? With the right information and preparation, you can protect your home and recover quickly when floods do happen. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, severe storm, or major flooding event, knowing the major considerations can save you thousands of dollars.

What you’ll discover:

• Insurance coverage.
• Flood damage occurs.
• Restoration process.
• Prevention strategies that work.

Insurance coverage

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make?

Thinking their homeowner’s insurance covers flood damage. It doesn’t.

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies have specific exclusions for flood damage. That means if your basement floods because of heavy rain, storm surge, or overflowing rivers, you’ll be paying the bill out-of-pocket.

Here’s what you need to know:

Flood insurance is a separate policy that you need to purchase either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. The trick is there’s usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. You can’t buy a policy the day before the storm hits and expect to be protected.

The average NFIP claim is around $66,000. Ouch. That’s how expensive flood damage can be. But here’s something most people don’t know…

• 25% of flood claims come from properties outside of high-risk flood zones.

That means even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, you could still be at risk for serious water damage. Professional water damage restoration can help mitigate the damage, but the right insurance coverage is the best way to financially protect your home.

Immediate steps after flood damage occurs

The first 24-48 hours after flood damage are critical.

Here’s what you need to do right away:

Make sure everyone is safe.

Don’t enter a flooded home or area if the electricity is still on. Water and electricity is a deadly combination. Turn off the power at the main breaker if you can safely access it outside of the flooded area.

Document everything.

Take photos and videos of all damaged property and the damage itself. Your insurance company is going to need this evidence before they pay a claim. So don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster has seen it.

Call your insurance company.

Report your claim as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure you’re covered, it’s better to file the claim and find out than to wait and risk missing a deadline.

Start removing water.

Flood damage restoration is literally a race against the clock. The longer you let the water sit, the more damage it will cause. Mold can even start growing in 24-48 hours in the right conditions.

The restoration process: What to expect

Professional flood restoration follows a specific process.

Water extraction.

Industrial-strength pumps and vacuums extract all standing water. Even just a small amount of water left behind can lead to major problems if not properly removed.

Drying and dehumidification.

The drying and dehumidification stage is where all the work happens. Professional-grade dehumidifiers and air movers run 24/7 to remove moisture from the walls, floors, and even the air itself.

Cleaning and sanitizing.

Flood water is filled with bacteria, sewage, and other contaminants. Any porous surface that was touched by flood water needs to be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Restoration and repairs.

The final stage is to repair or replace any damaged materials. This could include drywall, flooring, and personal belongings.

Here’s something important to note:

The cost to restore flood damage can vary widely depending on the level of damage, but just 1-inch of water can lead to up to $25,000 in damage to your home.

Prevention strategies that actually work

Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than dealing with the aftermath.

Install a sump pump.

The best way to prevent basement flooding during heavy rains is to install a sump pump system. Make sure it has a battery backup in case power goes out during storms.

Improve home drainage.

Make sure water flows away from your home’s foundation instead of towards it. Clean out your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your house.

Seal foundation cracks.

Even small cracks in your foundation can let water seep into your basement during heavy rains. Seal them with the appropriate materials, or hire a professional for larger cracks.

Use flood-resistant materials.

If you’re renovating or building a new home, use flood-resistant materials in flood-prone areas. Concrete floors, closed-cell insulation, and marine-grade plywood are just a few examples.

The hidden costs of flood damage

Most homeowners don’t realize the full cost of flood damage.

It’s not just about the repair bills. You could be hit with:

• Temporary housing costs while your home is being restored.
• Storage fees for belongings you need to move during repairs.
• Lost wages if you have to take time off work to handle the situation.
• Higher insurance premiums after filing a claim.

The bottom line is… Flood damage impacts an average of 14,000 people every day in the U.S. And the average insurance claim payout for water damage is $11,605.

Those aren’t small numbers. They represent real families being disrupted and inconvenienced by major water damage issues.

Insurance claims: What you need to know

Insurance claims for flood damage can be tricky.

Work with professionals.

Many restoration companies work directly with insurance companies. They know the claims process and can help document the damage you’ve suffered for your claim.

Keep detailed records.

Save every receipt you get that’s related to your flood damage. Hotels, restaurants, emergency repairs, cleaning supplies, everything. Many of these costs are covered by insurance, but you have to prove the costs.

Don’t put off filing your claim.

Insurance policies all have deadlines for filing claims. Don’t assume you have months or years to figure everything out. File your claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs.

Making your home more resilient

Smart homeowners don’t just think about current damage.

They think about what they can do to prevent future issues.

Landscaping is important.

Proper grading and landscaping can direct water away from your home during heavy rain events. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent future flooding.

Do regular maintenance.

Roofs, gutters, and foundations need regular inspections. Small issues become huge and expensive problems when water gets involved.

Plan for emergencies.

Have an emergency plan that includes keeping important documents, insurance information, and contact numbers for restoration services. When disaster strikes, you don’t have time to figure it out at the moment.

Wrapping up your flood recovery strategy

Water damage doesn’t have to ruin your financial future or your life for months on end.

The key is being prepared and understanding the situation before disaster hits. Make sure you have the right flood insurance, know what to do immediately after damage occurs, and understand what the restoration process will entail.

Professional help isn’t just about fixing the immediate damage, it’s also about helping you make sure your home is dried, cleaned, and restored properly to avoid future issues like mold growth.

Here’s the bottom line:

Flood damage is expensive and disruptive, but with the right preparation and response, you can minimize both the financial hit and the stress on your family.

Take action today to protect your home. Review your insurance policy, make any necessary improvements to drainage and waterproofing, and have the number of a trusted restoration company on hand.

The money you invest in prevention and proper insurance coverage will pale in comparison to what you’ll pay to restore flood damage after the fact.