Homeowners insurance policies, and renters policies, usually do not provide coverage for damages occurred due to flooding. However, in case you want, you can purchase flood cover as an addition from a number of different private providers and the National Flood Insurance Program.

Coverage of a maximum of $250,000 is ensured by the NFIP for your house structure, and of $100,000 to care for your personal belongings. While your house coverage is provided on the basis of replacement cost, personal possession coverage is provided on the basis of actual cash value only.

Replacement cost means that, in case your home suffers damage, you are given enough cover to rebuild it to its original state. But, actual cash value refers to the amount obtained by subtracting the depreciation value from the replacement cost of an item. That means, the older an item the less money you get for it. Also, coverage limit may be imposed on furniture and similar belongings that you can store in the basement.

Both homeowners and renters can obtain flood insurance. In case you reside in a zone that is designated as flood zone, you cannot do without flood insurance. That said, many inland regions which are located at a good distance from primary rivers are also not immune to flooding.

If your home faces the risk of witnessing flood due to melting snow, overflowing pond or creek, water flowing down a hill that is steep, or some other reason, you should go ahead and buy a flood insurance. Waiting for the authorities to give you flood warning to take insurance is not a good idea, as a waiting period of 30 days prevails for your insurance to take effect.

A few private insurance companies offer excess insurance for flooding, too. That is, for those who require more insurance protection than the basics provided by a standard policy.

Excess insurance can prove to be valuable for people who do not have a policy with NFIP. Depending on how much cover is bought, an excess insurance can cover replacement cost for structural damage and provide actual cash value for personal belongings.

In any part of the nation where the federal program can be obtained, excess insurance can be found. You can either purchase excess flood insurance from a regular insurance company that covers flood damage, or from an independent agent.

To understand flood insurance policies in depth and to get affordable home insurance, talk to your agent.