Standard renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Renters can buy a separate contents-only flood policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, that covers up to $100,000 of belongings under the NFIP. Your landlord’s flood insurance, if they have any, only covers the building.
What counts as a “flood”?
In insurance terms, flooding generally means rising water from outside, such as overflowing rivers, storm surge, heavy rain pooling at ground level or mudflow. A burst pipe inside your building is not a flood; that’s usually covered by regular renters insurance. How water damage coverage works.
How renters flood insurance works
| NFIP contents-only policy | |
|---|---|
| Who can buy | Renters in participating communities, including outside high-risk zones |
| Maximum coverage | $100,000 for belongings |
| Waiting period | Generally 30 days before coverage starts |
| Hotel and living costs | Not covered |
| Basements | Coverage for belongings in a basement is limited |
| How to buy | Through an insurance agent or insurer that sells NFIP policies |
Private flood insurers may offer different limits, shorter waiting periods or living-expense coverage. Compare both if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Who should consider flood insurance?
- Renters in ground-floor, garden or basement units
- Renters in coastal areas or near rivers and creeks
- Renters in areas that have flooded before, even outside mapped flood zones
- Anyone in a hurricane-prone state. Florida and Texas renters especially.
Don’t wait for the forecast
Because of the 30-day waiting period, buying flood insurance when a storm is already on the way usually won’t help. Buy it before storm season.
Sewer backup is different again
Water coming up through drains during heavy rain is often excluded from both renters and flood policies unless you add a water backup endorsement to your renters policy. Basement renters should ask about both.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.