Floods and Homeowners Insurance in Pennsylvania
Heavy rainstorms, snowmelt, and flash flooding can cause major damage to homes in Pennsylvania. But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late: floods are not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies.
Imagine this:
Alicia, a homeowner in western Pennsylvania, wakes up to find her basement filled with two feet of water after an overnight storm. She contacts her insurance company, only to find that her standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage. Alicia is left paying out-of-pocket for costly repairs that could have been avoided with the right coverage.
That’s why it’s important to understand your flood risk and know what your policy includes—and excludes.
What’s Not Covered: Standard Homeowners Policies and Water Damage
What Standard Policies Typically Exclude
Most homeowners insurance policies exclude damage caused by flooding, which includes water that enters your home from:
- Overflowing rivers or streams
- Heavy or prolonged rain
- Storm surge
- Groundwater seepage
- Snowmelt
Even though your home is insured against wind and fire, flood damage must be covered by a separate policy.
Water That Comes “From Outside”
If water flows into your home from outside—through the foundation, doors, or windows—it’s usually not covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Why? Because flooding is considered a predictable, high-risk event and is therefore excluded from most standard policies.
FEMA vs. Private Flood Insurance: What’s the Difference?
At McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance, we have access to both FEMA-backed and private flood insurance markets. Here’s how they compare:
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Backed by the federal government
- Offers set coverage limits ($250,000 for structure, $100,000 for contents)
- Mandatory in high-risk flood zones if you have a mortgage
- Standardized rates
FEMA Flood Insurance Program – Understand your flood risk and coverage options.
Private Flood Insurance
- Higher coverage limits available
- Faster policy issuance
- May cover additional living expenses and basement contents
- More flexible underwriting
We can help you compare both options and decide which one best fits your home, location, and budget.
For more information, please see Progressive Insurance’s article: What’s the difference between private flood insurance and NFIP policies?
Other Helpful Coverage: Back-Up of Sewer and Drains
Not all water damage comes from flooding. Sometimes, a storm overwhelms the municipal sewer system, pushing water back into your home through drains or toilets.
This is where Back-Up of Sewer and Drains Coverage comes in.
It’s typically an optional endorsement on your homeowners policy and can help pay for:
- Water damage from sump pump failures
- Sewer backups
- Drain overflows
This coverage is separate from flood insurance and can protect against damage even if your home isn’t in a high-risk flood zone.
Why Every Homeowner Should Consider Flood Insurance
Whether you live near a river or on a hilltop, everyone is at some level of flood risk. According to FEMA, more than 20% of flood claims come from areas outside high-risk flood zones.
Flood insurance gives you peace of mind—knowing that if disaster strikes, your finances won’t be washed away with the rising water.
Request a customized flood insurance quote today.
FAQs About Floods and Homeowners Insurance
1. Are floods covered under standard homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania?
No. Flood damage is excluded and must be purchased through a separate policy.
2. What’s the difference between flood insurance from FEMA and private insurers?
FEMA’s NFIP has fixed limits and rates, while private flood insurance often provides broader coverage and higher limits.
3. Do I need flood insurance if I don’t live in a flood zone?
Yes. Flooding can happen anywhere. In fact, many claims come from moderate- to low-risk areas.
4. What is sewer and drain back-up coverage?
It’s an endorsement to your homeowners policy that covers water damage from sump pump failures or sewer backups—not floods.
5. How do I get flood insurance?
Contact an independent agent like McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance. We’ll help you find a policy that meets your needs.
Why Choose McGroarty & Bradburn for Flood Coverage?
- Access to both FEMA and private flood insurance options
- Local knowledge of flood risks in Pennsylvania
- Personalized guidance and expert recommendations
Don’t wait for the next storm. Request a flood insurance quote today and get the protection your home needs.