Flood exclusion

The flood exclusion is the provision that takes flood damage out of a homeowners policy. In the ISO form it sits in the Section I "Water" exclusion and lists flood, surface water, waves, tides, tidal water, tsunami and overflow of a body of water, whether or not wind drives it. Recent editions name storm surge as well. The same exclusion reaches sewer and drain backup and water below the ground that seeps through foundations.

It applies regardless of other causes. Say a river crests, enters your first floor and ruins $60,000 of flooring, drywall and contents (hypothetical). The homeowners insurer pays nothing for the flood damage, though wind damage to the roof from the same storm remains covered. Rain that falls through a roof opening wind created is not flood. Rain that runs across the ground and in at the door is surface water.

Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program (National Flood Insurance Program) or a private flood insurance company, typically after a waiting period (30 days is common for NFIP policies). Buy before the storm is forecast. A water backup endorsement does not cover flood. The guide does homeowners insurance cover flooding? lays out what each policy pays.