It is interesting how many people often think of things, including myself. Everyone understands that a lot of water causes a flood, so when we think about a lot of water, our minds picture the ocean or perhaps a large lake. But what about drops of water? Can many drops of water be considered a flood?

Read on to understand the connection between water, flooding, and how home insurance can respond (or not).

Does NH Homeowner's

 Insurance cover damage from Heavy Rain?

The short answer is no.

Not to be too nerdy, but insurance is a contract, and contracts rely on definitions within the policy.  By definition, rain is water, and water that causes damage from flooding, regardless of its source, is typically excluded from coverage under homeowners' insurance. 

Heavy rain would be excluded as the definition of flood is "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land areas, or of two or more properties from overflow of inland or tidal waters; or unusual or rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or mudflow."

The exclusion also includes water that backs up through sewers or drains, or overflows from a sump pump, as well as water below the surface that seeps, leaks, or flows through a building or foundation.

Coverage for water/flood is not only excluded from homeowners' insurance but also not covered on most property policies, including commercial property policies.

How Do I Protect My Home Against Damage from Heavy Rains?

The easiest way to protect your home from water damage is to purchase flood insurance from a local insurance agency, such as HPM Insurance. Many independent agents have access to flood insurance issued through FEMA, as well as many private markets.

The good news is that there are more coverage options than ever before. FEMA used to be the only provider of flood insurance available, but as technology has advanced, the ability for private companies to map and offer competitive flood insurance is growing.

How Much Does It Cost to Protect My Home Against Damage from Heavy Rain?

Various factors, including flood mapping, elevation of your home, topography, and historical data, help determine rates for flood insurance. As it can rain anywhere, if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone (like on a lake, river, or ocean), your rates should be relatively low. (Especially in comparison to the cost of repairing flood damage.)

Besides Insurance, How Else Can I Protect My Home from Damage Caused by Heavy Rain?

The best way to protect your home is to avoid a claim in the first place. To protect your home from heavy rain damage, consider the following:

• Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear: Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they direct water away from your home’s foundation and prevent overflow.
  
  
• Direct Downspouts Away from Foundation: Extend downspouts at least 3 to 6 feet away from your house to ensure rainwater drains safely away, thereby reducing the risk of basement leaks and foundation damage.
  
  
• Grade Your Yard: Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This prevents pooling water near the base of your home.
  
  
• Install Sump Pumps and Backup Power: Consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace, along with a battery backup, to remove water that might seep in during storms.
  
  
• Maintain Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs away from your house, and use mulch or gravel that helps absorb water rather than repel it toward your foundation.
  
  
• Inspect and Maintain Plumbing: Ensure pipes, interior drains, and sump pump discharges are in good repair and not prone to leaking or backing up during heavy rainfall.
  
  
• Store Valuables Above Flood Level: Keep valuable items, electronics, and important documents off basement or ground-level floors, or use waterproof containers for storage.
  
  
• Install Backflow Valves: In areas prone to sewer backups during storms, a backflow valve can keep sewage from entering your home.

Learn more about flood insurance for New Hampshire homes

To learn more about flood insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at HPM Insurance. One of our New Hampshire agents will be happy to explain what flood policies typically cover and what they don’t, and work with you to determine whether a policy makes sense for your home.