Homeowner's Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for a person’s home and personal belongings and gives liability coverage for injuries or damages on the property. 

Yes. FEMA can assist with temporary housing, personal property losses, and home repairs. You will need to prove ownership and that the disaster-damaged home is your primary residence. 

It depends. FEMA doesn’t cover damage that your insurance will pay for but may pay for damage that is not covered by your insurance. FEMA assistance is typically for your disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. You can’t “double dip” by getting money from insurance and FEMA for the same expenses.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. You should read all of your insurance policy, including riders, addendums, and endorsements, to be aware of the full extent of your policy. If you do not have a copy of your policy, ask your insurance company for a complete copy, including all documents. 

FEMA sometimes requires homeowners who receive certain types of disaster assistance to maintain flood insurance on the property going forward. This requirement is tied to the home itself, not the owner, so it remains in place even if the property is later sold. If FEMA says you’re ineligible because of a “prior flood insurance requirement,” it may mean the home was part of an earlier FEMA claim. It is a good idea to speak with an attorney to understand your options and how this applies to your specific situation.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps homeowners find insurance companies that provide flood insurance. For more information, visit the FEMA flood insurance page. Insurance providers who participate in the NFIP uses a pricing guide that considers the risk of flooding and the value of your home.