Why Flood Insurance Matters

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

While everyone can benefit from flood insurance, it’s especially important for homeowners in flood-prone areas in Metrowest, Massachusetts and throughout New England. You may want to consider coverage if:

• You live near rivers, coastal regions or low-lying land.
• Your house is in a designated flood zone.
• Your mortgage is financed by a lender that requires flood insurance.

That said, flooding isn’t limited to high-risk zones. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that roughly 40% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood areas.

In New England, heavy spring snowmelt, stalled summer thunderstorms, and coastal storms can all lead to unexpected flooding. Even a few inches of water in a basement can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance policies are typically divided into two types of coverage:

Building (Structure) Coverage – This protects the physical structure of your home, including the foundation, walls, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, furnaces, water heaters, and built-in appliances.

Contents Coverage – This protects personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and certain valuables inside the home.

It’s important to know that standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage must be purchased separately.

Also, flood insurance typically does not cover temporary living expenses if you need to relocate after a loss — something many homeowners are surprised to learn. Reviewing both structure and contents limits ahead of time can help avoid gaps later.

Where to Get Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is most commonly provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA. These policies are federally backed but purchased through approved insurance agencies.

In recent years, private insurance companies have also begun offering flood insurance. Depending on the property, private policies may offer:

• Higher coverage limits
• Replacement cost coverage for contents
• Shorter waiting periods in some cases
• Additional coverage flexibility

However, eligibility requirements, pricing models, and coverage details can differ between NFIP and private options. That’s why understanding how each policy works matters.

At Murphy Insurance, we work with both NFIP-backed and private flood insurance programs. We help homeowners and business owners throughout Metrowest and New England:

• Review flood zone designations and real-world risk factors
• Compare federal and private coverage options side by side
• Understand policy limits, exclusions, and deductibles
• Plan around required waiting periods (most policies have a 30-day waiting period, with limited exceptions)

Flood insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it isn’t only for coastal homes. Taking time to understand your options before storm season can make a significant difference in how well your property is protected. When it comes to flooding, preparation isn’t just practical — it’s protective. Contact us with questions and to obtain a quote.