Flooded Basement: Why Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover It
Your homeowners policy does not cover flood, and the source of the water affects your claim; here is how flood coverage works and where it comes from.
This article is general information about how insurance usually works in Connecticut. Your policy’s own wording decides what it covers. Ask us about yours.
A new flood policy usually takes 30 days to start. The main exception is when it is bought with a new or refinanced mortgage. Do not wait for a storm forecast.
Short Answer
Water from leaky pipes, siding and roofs is likely covered by a homeowners policy, while ground water from rain, run off or snow melt is not. Sewer or drain backup coverage is an optional add on. Because a new federal flood policy usually starts 30 days after application and payment, it is easier to arrange before a storm is forecast.
How the Source of the Water Affects the Claim
- Water from pipes, siding and roofs.
- Water damage from leaky pipes, siding and roofs is likely covered by a homeowners policy.
- Water from the ground.
- Ground water damage from rain, run off or snow melt is not covered.
- Sewer or drain backup.
- Sewer or drain backup coverage is an optional add on to a homeowners policy. Ask whether your policy includes it.
Inland flooding, sewer backup, groundwater seepage and sump pump failure are named flood risks, not only coastal storms.
Sources of Flood Coverage
Flood insurance is a separate policy, available from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- Federal limits.
- Building coverage tops out at $250,000 for a one to four family home and $500,000 for other residential or non residential buildings. Contents coverage tops out at $100,000 for residential property and $500,000 for non residential property.
- Private insurers.
- Private flood insurers tend to offer higher coverage limits and optional coverage, and some may not require an elevation certificate.
- Premium factors.
- The federal program’s Risk Rating 2.0 uses factors such as flood frequency, distance to water sources, rebuilding cost and multiple flood types.
- Lender requirements.
- Federally regulated lenders may not make, increase, extend or renew a loan on a building in a special flood hazard area unless it carries flood insurance.
The Waiting Period
A new federal policy usually starts 30 days after the application and payment. When flood coverage is purchased with a new, increased, extended or renewed loan, it can start at loan closing. Private policies set their own start dates. A new federal policy bought once a storm is forecast will usually not take effect in time.
After a Loss
Most policies set a time limit for reporting a claim. If you are thinking of hiring a public adjuster, they charge fees, and the Connecticut Insurance Department can confirm whether one is licensed.
State Facts
In Connecticut
- The Insurance Department says more than 25 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high risk areas.
- The Insurance Department says one inch of water in a home can cause more than $25,000 of damage.
- Under Public Act 25-33, homeowners, renters, dwelling fire and condo policies effective on or after July 1, 2026 must carry a clear notice that flood is not covered.
- A car damaged by a storm in a garage is usually a claim under the auto policy’s comprehensive coverage rather than the homeowners policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded basement?
Not when the flood comes from the ground or surface water, because a homeowners policy does not cover flood. Water from leaky pipes, siding and roofs is likely covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover a sewer backup?
Only if the optional sewer or drain backup coverage is included on the policy.
How long does flood insurance take to start?
A new federal policy usually starts 30 days after the application and payment.
Do I need flood insurance outside a flood zone?
The Connecticut Insurance Department says more than 25 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high risk areas. Federally regulated lenders require it for a loan on a building in a special flood hazard area.
Sources
- Connecticut Insurance Department, Be Weather Ready: Flooding
- Connecticut Insurance Department, Consumer Notice July 24, 2025
- Connecticut Insurance Department, Storm Water Coverage and Flood Insurance
- Connecticut Insurance Department Bulletin PC-93-25
- 44 C.F.R. 61.11
- 44 C.F.R. 61.6
- 42 U.S.C. 4012a
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Flood Insurance
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Homeowners Insurance and page 2