Does Flood Insurance Cover Basements?
Like much of the Sunshine State, Niceville, FL is near the ocean. This puts it at a greater risk of flooding, particularly in the hurricane-prone months from June through November. The city’s low elevation also increases the likelihood of a flood. Consequently, it makes sense to protect your home with flood insurance. It’s also important to understand what insurance covers in your basement. This will help you decide what belongings or equipment to put in a cellar.
Basement Contents
If you have flood insurance covering your home’s contents, it will probably only protect some types of items in a cellar. They typically include portable air conditioners, laundry appliances, and freezers. Insurers generally require that these items be plugged into electrical outlets to qualify for coverage. As a result, it’s best not to store a spare A/C unit in the basement. Many policies exclude coverage of things like electronics, furniture, and generators.
Basement Structure
A standard building flood policy normally covers structural elements as well as some types of installed equipment. For instance, you could file a claim if flooding damages central heating or cooling systems. The same goes for your water heater, pumps, electrical system, stairs, and foundation. A policy will likely cover tanks that contain fuel or water from a well. Flood insurance also includes coverage of certain cleanup tasks, such as water and mold removal.
When making a claim, it’s important to provide details about basement appliances and HVAC equipment. Keep records of serial and model numbers in a safe place. If you’re looking for reliable flood coverage, Love Insurance Services can help. Our independent agency makes it easy to compare building and contents policies from an assortment of carriers. To contact Love Insurance Services in Niceville, FL, please call 850-279-6806 or send a text message to 850-999-5773 today.
