Flood Insurance for Renters

Does renters insurance cover flooding?

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

By Kristine Lee

Updated April 6, 2024

Edited By Ross Martin

Can renters get flood insurance?

You can add flood insurance to your renters insurance policy through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program or a private flood insurance company. Otherwise, there may be options through private flood insurance companies.

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides a maximum of $100,000 in content coverage. The coverage levels of private flood insurance policies vary. Let’s explore the ins and outs of flood insurance for renters and what to consider if your rental is in a flood zone.

Key takeaways

Renters can get flood insurance via FEMA's NFIP or private companies
Standard renters insurance doesn't cover flood damage
NFIP offers guaranteed compensation; private insurers might offer more options
Flood insurance doesn't cover liabilities or damages like burst pipes

Table of contents:

Does renters insurance cover flood damage?
NFIP or private flood insurance policy?
Do renters need flood insurance policies?
What isn’t covered by renters flood insurance?
Getting the right coverage
FAQs

Does renters insurance cover flood damage?

A typical insurance policy does not cover damages caused by flooding. Because flood damage is often catastrophic and the corresponding claims are very expensive, insurance companies may not be able to offer flood insurance. The best way to get renters insurance coverage for flooding is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from a private company specializing in flood insurance.

The NFIP is backed by the federal government and has enough capital to cover renters and homeowners claims after a flood. Unlike a standard renters insurance policy, flood insurance covers contents only, with coverage limits of $100,000. NFIP coverage includes no liability coverage or coverage for additional living expenses.

Contents are insured on an actual cash-value basis. Unlike replacement coverage, this compensation takes into account depreciation.

Additional living expenses insurance coverage after a flood

Additional living expenses coverage provides compensation if you need to vacate your home after a covered loss. If your apartment were deemed unlivable after a fire, your renters insurance company would compensate you for a hotel stay while your dwelling is repaired. Because fire is a covered loss on most renters insurance policies, your coverage applies.

However, flood damage is considered an uncovered loss. You would not have living expenses coverage in the event of a flood.

Should you buy a National Flood Insurance Policy or a private policy?

It depends on whether $100,000 of personal property coverage is enough to cover your belongings. The benefit of NFIP policies is their backing by the federal government and the assurance you'll receive compensation, even in the event of a catastrophic disaster. In theory, a private flood company could collapse if the value of damage exceeds its ability to fulfill claims.

This happened to State Farm in 1992, after Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc on the US Gulf Coast. Private companies may offer additional coverage options and cheaper rates, but if they file bankruptcy after a flood, it won’t matter.

Popular private flood insurance companies

Research popular private flood insurance companies, get quotes, and compare the prices. Below are some companies that offer private flood insurance.

Neptune
Assurant
AIG
Chubb
Liberty Mutual Fire
United Surety
ASI

The Zebra's recommendation

Flood insurance is not a common feature of most renters or homeowners coverage, so procuring it can be a challenge. Luckily, we work with Neptune insurance to offer such coverage.

Neptune Flood Insurance

Neptune Flood Insurance is a private flood insurance company that leverages technology to simplify the process of buying flood insurance. They offer coverage for homes, condos, and renters, aiming to provide more flexible and potentially cost-effective alternatives to the traditional National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their platform often allows for quick quotes and policy issuance, making the process more streamlined for consumers.

Get a Neptune Flood Insurance quote

Neptune Flood Insurance

Do renters need flood insurance policies?

Flood insurance isn’t required for renters. But if you live in a flood plain, you should seriously consider it. To determine whether your rental is located in a flood plain, search for your address in FEMA's flood zone lookup. If you’re in a low-risk area, you can buy a Preferred Risk Policy. These policies offer the lowest premiums.

If you’re a homeowner, your mortgage company may tell you whether flood coverage is necessary.

What isn’t covered by renters flood insurance?

A renters flood insurance policy offers no liability coverage or loss of use (additional living expenses). Furthermore, a national flood policy backed by FEMA caps personal property coverage at $100,000. In the event of a total loss, that is the maximum amount you would receive to cover damages to your belongings.

Sewer or water backup coverage

Flood insurance is designed to cover water damage from a natural disaster — flash flooding, hurricanes, etc. If a pipe bursts in your kitchen and floods your apartment, flood insurance would not apply. You can add coverage for burst pipes and other mishaps to a standard flood insurance policy as an endorsement.

Getting the right renters insurance coverage

If you're prepared to explore renters insurance options, consider getting a quote from our partners at Lemonade below. It typically takes just 90 seconds! If you're still weighing your options or need advice on the right coverage, reach out to The Zebra's knowledgeable licensed insurance agents. Dial 888-444-2833 to find the ideal renters insurance policy for your needs today.

Need a Renters Insurance Quote?

Frequently asked questions about renters flood insurance

Does renters insurance cover floods?

No, standard renters insurance does not cover flood damage. To get protection against floods, you would need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer like Neptune.

Is flood insurance mandatory for renters living in flood zones?

While flood insurance isn't typically mandatory for renters, landlords or property management companies in high-risk flood zones might require tenants to purchase it. It's always a good idea for renters in flood-prone areas to consider this coverage.

Can I add flood coverage to my existing renters insurance policy?

Not likely, as flood coverage is not a typical endorsement you can add to a standard renters insurance policy. You will likely need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through providers like the NFIP or specialized private companies like Neptune.

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.