Flood Insurance

FLOOD INSURANCE IN CHARLESTON, SC

Homeowners Insurance Does NOT Cover Flooding — Let’s Fix That.

Most homeowners don’t find out until it’s too late…

Homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. Not one dollar. Not even during a hurricane.

In Charleston and the Lowcountry — where flooding is common — not having flood insurance can be financially devastating.

We’re here to make sure you're protected BEFORE the next storm.

What Counts as a “Flood” (What Flood Insurance Covers)

Flood = Rising water coming from OUTSIDE your home.

Examples:

  • Storm surge / tidal flooding

  • Heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage

  • Rivers, creeks, or ponds overflowing

  • Hurricane or tropical storm flooding

  • Groundwater seeping into the home

If the water starts outside and enters your home → That is a flood.

Only flood insurance covers this.

What Homeowners Insurance Covers (NOT Flood)

Home insurance only covers sudden & accidental water damage from inside your home.

Examples:

  • Burst pipe

  • Water heater rupture

  • Sudden plumbing failure

  • Wind-driven rain through a storm-created opening

BUT it does NOT cover:

  • Rising water from outside

  • Storm surge

  • Groundwater

  • Tidal flooding

  • Sewer or drain backup (unless you add coverage)

What Neither Flood Nor Home Insurance Covers

These are the most common claim denials in the Lowcountry:

Poor maintenance

  • Old roof that deteriorates? Not covered.

  • Long-term leaks or rot? Not covered.

  • Wear and tear? Not covered.

Plumbing / Sewer Pipes Themselves

Home and flood insurance may pay for the damage CAUSED by a burst pipe, but they will NOT pay to repair or replace the actual pipe or sewer line.

To cover pipes/sewer lines, you must purchase a protection plan from your local water or sewer provider.

What About WATER BACKUP?

Water Backup (sewer or drain backup) is NOT included in standard home insurance. But you can add it as an optional endorsement — and you absolutely should.

This covers:

  • Sewer or drain backup into your home

  • Sump pump failure

  • Overflow damage

Charleston = One of the Most Flood-Prone Areas in the U.S.

Even if you’re NOT in a “high-risk” flood zone, you are still at risk.

  • Low elevation

  • Heavy rain & poor drainage

  • Hurricanes & tropical storms

  • High water table

  • Tidal flooding (even on sunny days)

  • Urban development pushing water into neighborhoods

Over 25% of flood claims come from “low-risk” zones.

One inch of water can cause over $25,000 in damage.

And FEMA disaster assistance? It’s usually a loan — not a free payout.

Flood insurance actually PAYS to repair your home and replace your belongings.

URGENT: Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is Coming

When a named storm or hurricane is heading our way, insurance companies issue a:

MORATORIUM:

Which means:

  • No new flood policies can be purchased

  • No changes can be made to existing policies

  • No increasing coverage

  • No switching carriers

If you wait until a hurricane is on the news… it’s already too late.

What Flood Insurance Covers

  • Foundation, walls, roof

  • Electrical & plumbing systems

  • HVAC, water heaters

  • Appliances

  • Flooring, built-in cabinets

  • Personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.)

  • Some valuables (with limits or scheduling)

What Flood Insurance Does NOT Cover

  • Landscaping, decks, patios, pools

  • Cash, gold, stocks

  • Cars (covered by auto insurance if you have comprehensive)

  • Damage from mold/rot due to neglect

  • Living expenses (NFIP only — private often includes!)

Real Client Story

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Our street flooded after a tropical storm. Several neighbors didn’t have flood insurance and lost everything. Rhonda helped us get the right policy months before — and our flood claim paid for repairs and replaced our furniture. She saved us financially.”

NFIP vs Private Flood Insurance: Which is Better?

We help you choose the BEST option — not just the default.

Feature

Coverage Limits

Loss of Use / Temporary Housing

Basement Contents

Extra Coverages

Claims Speed

Price

Waiting Period

Required by mortgage?

NFIP (National Flood Insurance Policy)

Dwelling max $250K, Contents $100K

Not Included

Very limited

Very limited

Can be slower, stricter

Sometimes higher

30 days (unless tied to closing)

Yes in high-risk zones

Our Local Agency

Often up to $500K+ or unlimited

Often included

Often Covered

More customizable

Often faster, more flexible

Sometimes lower

As little as 7 - 14 days

Yes (private is accepted)

Both are legitimate — but private often offers better coverage and faster payouts.

We compare both for you and help you choose wisely.

Want Lower Flood Insurance Rates?

We help you save by:

  • Reviewing your flood zone

  • Using elevation certificates

  • Exploring private options

  • Bundling with other policies

  • Keeping coverage updated before rate changes

Why Work with Rhonda (Not a 1-800 Number)?

With our agency, you get:

  • Education BEFORE you buy

  • Help choosing NFIP or Private (huge difference!)

  • No hidden exclusions

  • Correct building & contents limits

  • Help scheduling valuables

  • Hands-on claims support

  • Yearly policy reviews to keep you protected

We don’t just sell flood insurance — we make sure it WORKS when you need it.

Don’t Wait for the Next Hurricane

Flooding isn’t a matter of if — it’s when.

The worst time to buy flood insurance is after you see water.

  • Protect your home

  • Protect your belongings

  • Protect your finances

  • Protect your peace of mind

Let’s protect your home before the water rises.

© 2025
Rhonda P Myers: Allstate Insurance. All rights reserved