How can this program help me?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners. This is an important benefit since standard homeowners insurance usually does not cover damage due to flooding from hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rains.

The NFIP protects the building (your home or business) and its contents (your belongings or equipment and supplies). It does not provide coverage for the land the building sits on. The type of coverage you can get with the NFIP depends on where you live and what coverage is offered.

An NFIP policy for your home and/or business may cover:

• The building and its foundation
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances (dishwashers, etc.)
• Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
   

An NFIP policy for the contents of your home and/or business may include:

• Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Portable microwaves and dishwashers
• Carpeting that is not already included in property coverage
• Washers and dryers

If you live in a high-risk flood area, you are usually required to have flood insurance. If you live in a lower- risk area, you don't have to get flood insurance, but it's highly recommended. To find out if you live in a high-risk flood area, visit the FEMA Flood Map.

How do I get help?

For help getting coverage or for more information about the NFIP, contact the NFIP Hotline.