Is flood damage covered by my home insurance?

Short answer

Often not. Many standard home policies cover storm and fire but leave out flood, or sell it as an add-on. Check your policy wording for the word "flood" before the rainy season, not after.

What is usually covered

• Water from a burst pipe or tank inside the home is commonly covered.
• Damage from storm winds (a roof torn off, then rain getting in) is often covered under the storm section.
• Some insurers include flood in a higher-tier policy or offer it as an optional extra.

What is usually left out

• Rising water from heavy rain, rivers or the sea is the usual flood exclusion.
• Storm surge is sometimes treated as flood, even when a hurricane caused it.
• Water that enters through a poorly maintained roof, drain or gutter.
• Damage to gardens, fences and outbuildings, which often have low limits or none.

What to ask your agent

• Is flood covered, and is it in the policy or an add-on?
• Does the policy count storm surge as flood or as storm?
• What is the deductible for flood claims, and is it a percentage of the value?
• Is there a waiting period before flood cover starts?
• Does the cover include temporary accommodation while repairs are done?

Do this now

Find the flood line in your current policy, write down what it says, and ask your agent for a quote with and without flood cover. The price difference is often smaller than people expect.

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Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information only. Cover varies by country, insurer and policy, so check your own policy wording.