Does insurance cover rain and flood damage?

You can depend on your home insurance policy for financial help after certain types of water damage caused by rain. But qualifying for coverage depends on the source of the water and on how the damage occurred. For instance, if a storm opens a hole in your roof and water leaks in, damaging your valuable personal property, your homeowners policy will typically provide coverage.

But what about insurance for floods? Although most homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, options for additional protection are available.

Let's look at what you can do to help ensure your home is protected from rain and flood damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from rain?

With American Family Insurance, your coverage for water damage caused by rain depends on how your loss occurred. Your base homeowners policy provides replacement cost value (RCV) coverage for losses to your dwelling.

Look at the following scenarios and learn about how rain damage is managed by your homeowners policy:

When rain enters from storm damage

If the wind from a thunderstorm blew over a tree that punched a hole in your roof—and rainwater poured into your home for half an hour—you’ll likely be covered.

When vandalism results in rain damaging your home

Suppose the picture window in your living room is broken by vandals while you’re away on vacation. And after arriving home, you find heavy rain has resulted in water damage. Your homeowners coverage will probably help cover the costs to make repairs and restore your home.

When is damage from rain not covered by homeowners insurance?

There are some instances when rain damage is not covered with your homeowners policy. Look at a few common issues that usually aren’t covered:

When the water damage is gradual

If rainwater seeps into your basement through cracks in the foundation, or if water flowed in through an egress window over time, you won’t be covered with a standard homeowners policy. In most cases, coverage will apply when the water damage is sudden and accidental in nature.

When water damage is the result of negligence

A poorly maintained roof can unleash a flood of rainwater into your home that may not be covered. When your roof isn’t maintained properly, it can fall into disrepair, and the resulting damage may not be covered with your homeowners policy.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from floods?

Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by a covered event, and related rain damage may be covered in some situations. However, flood damage is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Flood insurance is usually a separate policy. Review your policy for details.

How much does flood insurance cost?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Opens in a new tab), the average flood insurance policy costs around $450 annually. But keep in mind that the average flood insurance claim costs $39,000. Your specific rate will depend on where you live, your property, and other factors.

Flood safety and protection tips

When your neighborhood is under a flood watch or warning, it’s important to act quickly. Because floods can knock out power and limit access to and from your area, having a plan in place can help you feel more prepared. Here are some tips to help you prepare before, during and after a flood.

Before a flood

• Build an emergency kit with essentials like drinking water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-operated or hand-crank radio.
• Make a family communication plan so you and your loved ones can stay connected if you’re separated.
• Move valuable items and important belongings to a safer area away from potential floodwaters.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to help protect your home.

During a flood

• Listen to local radio, television or emergency alerts for updated information.
• Don’t walk through moving water. Even 6 inches of moving water can be enough to knock you down.
• If there is any risk of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches if it is safe to do so.
• Don’t touch electrical devices if you’re wet or standing in water.

After a flood

• Avoid moving water and stay away from damaged areas unless authorities say it’s safe.
• Keep monitoring local news or alerts for information and instructions.
• Avoid contact with floodwaters as much as possible, since they may contain sewage, gasoline, oil or other contaminants.

Find the homeowners coverage you need today

As a homeowner, it’s so important to have the right coverage in place before you need it. We can help you explore homeowners insurance that best suits your home and your needs, so you can have more peace of mind when the weather turns.

Frequently asked questions about rain and flood damage

Does homeowners insurance cover rain damage?

Homeowners insurance may cover rain damage when it is caused by a sudden and accidental event, such as storm damage to your roof or vandalism that lets water into your home.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No, standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover flood damage. To protect your home from flooding, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

When does homeowners insurance not cover water damage from rain?

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover rain damage caused by gradual leaks, foundation seepage or poor home maintenance. Coverage usually applies when the damage is sudden and unexpected.