Flood is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, and it's excluded from every standard homeowners, condo, and renters policy. If you want protection from rising water — storm surge, heavy rain, overflowing rivers, or flash floods — you need a dedicated flood policy. In Florida, flood insurance is close to non-negotiable: much of the state is low-lying and exposed to hurricanes and storm surge. In Washington, flood risk concentrates along rivers, coastal areas, and the aftermath of heavy rain and snowmelt — and because it's less expected, far too many homeowners are caught uninsured.
NFIP vs. private flood insurance
You generally have two paths: the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and a growing private flood market. Each has strengths, and the right choice depends on your property, coverage needs, and budget.
| Feature | NFIP | Private flood |
|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit | Up to $250,000 | Often $500k–$1M+ |
| Contents coverage | Up to $100,000 | Higher limits available |
| Additional living expenses | Not covered | Often included |
| Availability | Nearly universal | Depends on property/insurer |
| Pricing basis | Risk Rating 2.0 | Carrier-specific models |
We compare both so you're not defaulting to one option out of habit. For higher-value homes, private flood often provides more coverage; for others, NFIP is the reliable backbone.
Understanding flood zones and Risk Rating 2.0
FEMA maps designate flood zones (such as high-risk “A” and “V” zones), and if you have a federally backed mortgage in a high-risk zone, flood insurance is mandatory. But flood zones are not a yes/no signal — they're a spectrum. FEMA's newer Risk Rating 2.0 methodology prices policies based on each property's specific characteristics rather than broad zone lines, which means two neighbors can pay very different premiums.
Where U.S. flood claims occur
Florida flood insurance
With extensive coastline, low elevation, and hurricane exposure, Florida accounts for a large share of the nation's flood policies. Storm surge — not covered by homeowners or wind policies — is a flood peril. We coordinate your flood policy with your homeowners and wind coverage so there are no gaps between wind-driven and water-driven damage, which is a frequent source of claim disputes after hurricanes.
Washington flood insurance
Washington's flood risk is real but underestimated: river flooding in the Cascades and lowlands, coastal exposure around Puget Sound, and heavy-rain events. Because many Washington homeowners assume they're not at risk, they skip coverage — then face uninsured losses. We assess your specific location and quote affordable options, often for far less than Florida properties pay.
Why buy flood insurance through Maru
Flood coverage sits at the seam between multiple policies, and that seam is where claims get denied. We make sure your home, wind, and flood policies fit together, compare NFIP against private options, and explain your flood-zone determination in plain language so you're never surprised after a storm.
Frequently asked questions
Is flood insurance required?
Does homeowners insurance ever cover flooding?
What's the difference between NFIP and private flood insurance?
How much does flood insurance cost?
Is there a waiting period for flood insurance?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
Ready for a quote that actually fits?
Talk to a licensed Maru advisor in Washington or Florida. No pressure, no call-center scripts — just clear options and honest pricing.