Most people mistakenly believe that their homeowners insurance policy includes flood damage caused by natural disasters, leaks, and pipe damage. However, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Most insurance companies require homeowners to take out a separate flood insurance policy in addition to their homeowners insurance policy.
Careful review of your flood insurance policy and homeowners insurance policy lessens risk of surprise in an already difficult time in your life. However, if your flood damage was denied by your insurance, contact the lawyers at Johns Law Group to review your appeal options.
How Do I Appeal a Flood Insurance Policy?
If your insurance policy denied your flood claim, you might consider appealing. If the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) covers your policy, you may file an appeal directly through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On appeal, FEMA works with you and your insurance company, to gather facts regarding your claim, review the policy, and provide a claim decision.
Filing an appeal with FEMA requires no fee. However, you must file your appeal within 60 days of the date of your insurer’s denial letter.
If your flood damage was denied by insurance, FEMA encourages you to work out your dispute with your insurer first.
If a private insurance company denied your flood insurance claim, you must appeal directly to your insurance company.
What Doesn’t Flood Insurance Cover?
Even if you do not live in a flood-prone area, you may consider purchasing flood insurance for your home. Many homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The following are typically covered by flood insurance within the NFIP:
- Essential systems in the home, including electrical, plumbing, furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, and sump pumps;
- Cisterns, fuel tanks, solar energy equipment, water tanks, and pumps;
- Home appliances including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and freezers;
- Carpeting and window coverings in the home;
- Permanent bookshelves, cabinets, and paneling;
- Foundation walls and staircases;
- A detached garage;
- Personal property like clothing; and
- Certain personal valuables.
Despite this list, if you opt for coverage through a private insurance company, you should review a potential flood insurance policy carefully for coverage information.
What Is Not Covered by Flood Insurance?
According to the NFIP, the following instances of damages generally fall outside flood insurance coverage:
- Moisture or mildew that is avoidable by the homeowner;
- Currency, precious metals, and paper valuables, like stock certificates;
- Outdoor property such as decks, fences, patios, landscaping, wells and septic systems, hot tubs, and swimming pools;
- Living expenses like temporary housing if you are displaced; and
- Cars, boats, and similar vehicles.
If you have flood insurance through a private insurer, contact them to determine exclusions under your policy.
What to Do If You Were Affected by Hurricane Laura
Despite hurricanes occurring every year in Louisiana and Texas, the devastation they continue to cause never ceases. Hurricane Laura barrelled through Louisiana and Texas, causing widespread destruction to everything in its path. If you’ve suffered flood damage due to Hurricane Laura, contact the hurricane claim lawyers at Johns Law Group. We have decades of experience representing clients. We understand the devastation and heartache you feel. Your case is essential, and our attorneys are here to take action on your behalf.
Jeremiah Johns is a former insurance defense attorney who now represents plaintiffs in bad faith insurance, catastrophic injury cases, and commercial disputes. He has a unique perspective from his experience representing some of the nation’s largest insurance companies.
Jeremiah is licensed to practice law in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia (though he is presently inactive in Georgia). He is also admitted to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. For his education, Jeremiah earned an LL.M. in Admiralty from Tulane University, a J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University, and both a B.A. and B.S., magna cum laude, from Georgia State University.
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