April showers are here in the Hudson Valley, and keeping your home dry is top of mind for many homeowners. With snowmelt and spring rains, it’s the perfect time to review your coverage and understand what your homeowners insurance really protects against.
What Counts as a Flood?
You might think you know what a flood is, but insurance companies have a very specific definition. In simple terms, a flood is water that enters your home from rising water outside, like from heavy rain, overflowing rivers, or melting snow.
Important: Water damage from things like burst pipes, roof leaks, or backed-up drains is not considered a flood. Those are usually covered under a standard homeowners policy. But once water starts accumulating outside and enters your home, it’s typically considered a flood and is not covered by most standard policies.
Preventing Water Damage
To help protect your home this season, take steps to keep water moving in the right direction:
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear
- Remove ice dams and debris from your roof
- Check for dry rot or signs of poor drainage
- Make sure your landscaping slopes away from your home
These small actions can go a long way toward preventing costly damage.
Is Flooding Covered?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If your property is in or near a flood-prone area, it’s important to consider additional coverage. At MetzWood, we offer access to both private flood insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), giving you options tailored to your situation.
Let’s Review Your Coverage
Flooding and water damage are among the most common concerns we hear from clients, and we take them seriously. Not sure what your current policy covers? Contact your MetzWood representative. We’ll walk you through your coverage and help ensure your plan is ready for whatever the season brings.