Every year, Alabama receives an average of 56 inches of rainfall, making flooding a major concern for the state—especially when hurricane season brings severe storms to the Gulf region. Despite this heightened risk, standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damages caused by floods. That’s why many Alabamans should have additional flood insurance. If you’re concerned about your property’s protection, here’s why you should invest in this supplemental coverage.

Do You Need Flood Insurance if You Own a Home in Alabama?

Mortgage providers make flood insurance mandatory if your property lies within a floodplain—or an area that is more likely to be affected by floods. However, even if you aren’t required to have this coverage, you should still consider it. Statistics show that about 20 to 25% of flood insurance claims come from policyholders that live in low- to moderate-risk areas.

What Is Covered by Flood Insurance?

Policy terms are fairly standard when produced through the National Flood Insurance Program—a federally-backed initiative. Under this coverage, homeowners can file claims for damages resulting directly from floods. These events are defined as an excess of water on land that is normally dry.

NFIP policies are designed to cover up to $250,000 of property damage and up to $100,000 of personal belongings. Building coverage may include damages affecting structural components, electrical and plumbing systems, furnaces, water heaters, staircases, refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Content coverage is reserved for items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, laundry appliances, and art.

What Isn’t Covered by Flood Insurance?

Any damage that is not attributable to a flood will not be covered by these policies. For example, mold or moisture-related damage that was related to a plumbing leak would not be covered. Other claims that won’t be covered include Earth movement damages, wind damages, additional living expenses, vehicles, and exterior features—including landscaping elements, pools, hot tubs, decks, septic systems, and wells. However, many of these issues may be covered through a conventional homeowner’s insurance policy or another type of supplemental plan.

If you’re worried about how hurricanes and other severe storms may impact your home, Russell Insurance Agency can provide you with peace of mind. Located in Robertsdale, AL, this agency provides both flood insurance and standard homeowners insurance at affordable rates. Taking a personalized approach, you can also count on this team to craft a plan that fits your specific risk profile and coverage needs. Visit the agency online to learn more about their products or call (251) 947-3607 to request a free quote.