
However, it’s still a good idea to get flood insurance if you have a home in Hillsborough County, FL. If you don’t have a federally backed mortgage or your home is paid off, flood insurance is not required. It’s important to note that homeowners who have mortgages that are federally backed and who are in areas that are considered high risk for flooding must have flood insurance. Renters and homeowners’ policies do not cover damage that is caused by groundwater from overflowing rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Your homeowners or renters insurance may provide coverage for certain types of water damage, such as a burst pipe or severe thunderstorm damage where the storm compromised your roof and water leaked in from the rain. Understanding Flood Insuranceįlood insurance is a separate policy from a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy.

The good news is that flood insurance can help you pay for the repairs and even the entire replacement of your home in the event of a flood. This can result in the need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on repairs. In addition to damaging the structural components of your home, your home’s electrical system, water pipes, gas pipes, and appliances may also need to be replaced after your home floods. You may also need to replace your subfloor, carpet and carpet pad as well as the bottom six inches of drywall, which has to be cut out and replaced due to the risk of mold. If this doesn’t sound like a lot of water or damage to you, just think about how much it would cost to have your foundation inspected and repaired. When it comes to flood water entering your home, even as little as one inch of flood water can damage carpet, wood structural components, drywall, and your home’s foundation. For example, did you know that as little as six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult? One foot of floodwater can carry away a compact car, and two feet of floodwater can wash away most other types of vehicles. Hazards of Floodingįlooding is extremely dangerous to people, pets, homes, and personal property. This means that if you live in or around Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, you should have flood insurance. In Tampa, the BFE or Base Flood Elevation, is 10 feet according to FEMA. These are flood zones that have a 1 percent annual chance of flooding.


Hillsborough County, including Tampa, is in a flood zone with a zone designation of AE. In Hillsborough County and Tampa, Florida, flooding from tropical storms, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms is a constant concern. If you live in Florida, you probably worry about floods from hurricanes and strong storms that could bring river, gulf, and ocean water into your home, but do you actually live in a flood zone? Do you need flood insurance? Our agents at Fearnow Insurance are here to help you determine if you need flood insurance for your property.
