A lot of people in the Houston area were left wondering what their insurance would cover following Hurricane Harvey. According to The Weather Channel, “much of Texas is expected to be hit with some form of severe weather this week, including the Gulf Coast.” Many Texans are now wondering if their car insurance will cover flood damage.
What is a flood?
Flooding is defined as a rise in water level above the normal mark on a hydrographic chart. The most common definition of a flood is when water covers more than half of the area of a floor, street, driveway, or other area. Flooding can also occur when there is an overflow from a stream, river, lake, or wetland. Flooding can be caused by heavy rain, snowmelt runoff, hurricanes and typhoons.
Why are floods dangerous?
Flooding can cause serious damage to property and people. For example, flooding can wash away roads and bridges, contaminate water supplies with raw sewage and harmful chemicals, and leave homes and businesses stranded. Injuries from flooding can include cuts from broken glass or sharp objects that are swept across floors during flooding, dehydration from spending hours trapped in a submerged vehicle or house, and drowning if floodwaters reach waterways that are unsafe for swimming.
What should I do if I’m affected by flooding?
If you are affected by flooding, the first step is to stay informed about your situation and the risks involved. If you see signs of imminent danger (e.g., rising water levels), evacuate immediately.
What are the different types of floods?
Floods can be classified by the level of water that is involved:
– Floodplain flooding is water that has reached or exceeded the top of a levee, floodwall, or natural embankment. This type of flooding typically occurs in areas where there is a high level of runoff from rainfall or melting snow, and often occurs when there is a break in the levee system.
– Storm flooding is water that has reached or exceeded the top of a levee, floodwall, or natural embankment due to a storm. This type of flooding can occur when heavy rains fall quickly on saturated ground, causing a rapid rise in water levels.
How do floods happen?
Floods happen when water accumulates in an area beyond its capacity. Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or river flooding can all trigger a flood. The overflow of water from a creek, lake, or other body of water can quickly overwhelm natural barriers and cause flooding. When this happens, it’s important to know your rights and what you can do to protect yourself and your property.
What is car insurance coverage for flooding?
The short answer is that car insurance policies vary, so it’s important to ask your provider. However, most policies will cover damage from flooding as long as the car is in a garage or a protected area.
Flooding can happen when heavy rains cause unexpected flooding in basements, crawl spaces and other areas below the level of the roadway.
Can I get Flood Damage coverage on my car insurance policy?
A lot of people think that car insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but this is not always the case. In fact, many policies do include coverage for flooding. It all depends on the specific policy you have and the exclusions that are included. You should ask your agent or insurance company if they cover flooding and if so, what is included in the policy.
Conclusion
Flooding can be a devastating event, both emotionally and physically. If you are in the unfortunate position of having your home or car damaged as a result of flooding, make sure to speak with an insurance agent to see if your policy covers this type of damage. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to receive compensation for any losses you have incurred.