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Flood Insurance FAQs

General

Homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding. It typically covers events like fire, theft, and wind, but excludes rising water from storms, heavy rain, coastal surge, or overflowing bodies of water.

Flood insurance is specifically designed to protect your home and belongings from water that enters the property from outside. Without a separate flood policy, you pay for flood damage out of pocket.

Community Flood has partnered with QBE, one of the largest insurance companies in the world. QBE has received an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, is a publicly traded insurance company, and their roots date back to the late 19th Century. QBE serves customers in more than 140 markets worldwide.

Everyone is at some level of risk for flooding. More than 20 percent of flood claims come from areas labeled “low to moderate risk.”

You may need flood insurance if you:

  • Live in any area prone to heavy rain, storm runoff, or drainage issues
  • Own property near rivers, creeks, lakes, or coastal areas
  • Live in a designated FEMA flood zone
  • Want financial protection from expensive flood damage (even if your mortgage doesn’t require it)

Put simply: If it can rain where you live, you can flood.

If a flood affects your home:

  • Put safety first. Avoid standing water and potential electrical hazards.
  • Document the damage. Take photos and videos of impacted areas.
  • Protect your property. Stop ongoing damage if you can do so safely (example: covering openings or moving items to a dry area).
  • File a claim promptly by contacting:

Mills Mehr & Associates, Inc.

450 Carillon Pkwy, Ste 220

St. Petersburg, FL 33716

P: 727.669.0140

F: 727.669.0191

C: 407.921.0995

gmills@millsmehr.com

Keep receipts for emergency repairs, cleaning, or temporary housing.

A claims adjuster will guide you through the next steps.

Coverage and Policy Details

Community Flood uses the universally accepted definition of a flood, which is:

A temporary condition where water covers at least two acres of normally dry land OR affects at least two properties, with the source of the water coming from outside the home.

This includes:

  • Overflow of rivers, lakes, or streams
  • Heavy rainfall causing surface water accumulation
  • Storm surge or coastal flooding
  • Backup of water due to flooding outside the home

This definition is important because it determines when coverage applies.

Dwelling Coverage helps pay to repair or rebuild the physical structure of your home after covered flood damage. This typically includes:

  • Foundation, walls, and roof
  • Plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC
  • Built-in appliances (e.g., water heater, furnace)
  • Flooring, wallboard, and built-in cabinetry
  • Attached garages and staircases

Coverage applies only to damage directly caused by a flood event.

Yes. This protects items such as:

  • Clothing and furniture
  • Electronics
  • Appliances not built into the home
  • Rugs, décor, and household items

These belongings must be inside the insured building at the time of the flood. There are separate sublimits for certain items like artwork or collectibles.

Community Flood provides basement coverage under the full policy limits for both your personal possessions, as well as the real property, including finishings.

This is one way we differentiate ourselves. Most flood insurance offers limited coverage for basements, crawlspaces, or areas below the lowest elevated floor. Typically covered items include:

  • Foundation walls
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Water heaters, furnaces, and central HVAC
  • Washers and dryers
  • Freezers and stored food

However, finished items like carpeting, paneling, drywall, or personal property stored in a basement are generally not covered by other flood insurance providers. Community Flood’s inclusion of the entire basement for coverage is what makes the policy an exceptional value.

Yes, Community Flood policies include temporary housing or loss-of-use coverage. This can help pay for:

  • Hotel stays
  • Short-term rentals
  • Other additional living expenses while your home is being repaired
  • Loss of Rental Income (if the home is rented to others)

It’s important to note: FEMA/NFIP flood policies do not offer temporary housing or ALE coverage. This benefit is typically found only in private-market flood insurance.

Community Flood coverage for not being able to use your home due to a covered event starts after seven (7) days of displacement.

Flood insurance is designed to protect against loss due to flood water, but certain items and situations are excluded. Common exclusions include:

  • Damage from moisture, mildew, or mold that could have been prevented
  • Property outside the building (fences, decks, pools, landscaping)
  • Damage not caused by a “flood” as defined by the policy
  • Vehicles (these may be covered by auto insurance)

These are the major items excluded by the policy, and not intended to be a substitute for the actual policy terms. For a full list of exclusions, please refer to the policy.

Claims Process

Community Flood has partnered with Mills Mehr & Associates to respond and adjust any claim made under the policy. Contact information is:

Mailing address: 450 Carillon Pkwy, Ste 220, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

P: 727.669.0140

F: 727.669.0191

C: 407.921.0995

Email: gmills@millsmehr.com

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