Homeowners/Renters Insurance Does Not Cover Flood Damage
Consumers have significant misconceptions about flooding causes and what is and isn’t insured under their homeowners or renters policies. Despite news reports and public policy discussions about climate change and increasing catastrophes, including floods, 59% of U.S. adults say they are not likely to reevaluate their need for flood insurance, according to a survey commissioned by Selective and conducted by The Harris Poll. Of the U.S. adults surveyed, only 14% had flood insurance. Among those with a standalone flood policy, 66% had filed a claim, which is an indicator of the prevalence of floods, Selective pointed out in its press release. Meanwhile, the misnomer that homeowners and renters policies cover flood damage continues. Two-thirds of consumers with homeowners and renters insurance incorrectly believe their current policy covers flood-related damage to home structure or contents, the survey found. “Flooding is the most common natural disaster and can occur anywhere in the country. Recent inland flood events and increased frequency of hurricanes highlight the very real risks facing property owners,” said Cassie Masone, vice president of flood operations at Selective Insurance. “Homeowners and renters often have a false sense of confidence that a flood won’t impact them because they are far…