Homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage. Flood cover comes through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood policy. A sudden leak inside the house is handled differently from flood. In Connecticut, the Insurance Department takes consumer complaints; in New York, the Department of Financial Services does.
Key takeaways
- Flood, including surge from the Sound and river overflow, is generally excluded from a homeowners policy.
- Sewer or drain backup generally needs an endorsement, which is often an add-on.
- Report a loss promptly, photograph the damage before cleanup, and let the insurer inspect before permanent repairs.
- Connecticut complaints go to the Connecticut Insurance Department; New York complaints go to the New York State Department of Financial Services.
What does a homeowners policy generally cover?
Homeowners and business policies generally do not cover flood damage. Water from a split pipe or failed appliance inside the house is handled differently from water that came in from outside.
The Connecticut Insurance Department says flood cover comes through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood policy. A new NFIP policy can carry a waiting period, and some purchases required by a lender are exceptions.
Damage from downed trees, wind or wind-driven rain may be covered under a homeowners policy. Report it promptly and let the insurer inspect before permanent repairs.
What about sewer backup and drain water?
Whether a standard policy covers sewer backup was not confirmed for either state. Coverage for backup is often an add-on endorsement, so read the policy.
Ask the insurer in writing whether the policy includes backup from a drain or sewer, and whether an endorsement is needed. Do not assume the answer from a neighbour's claim.
New York courts have treated sewer and drain backup exclusions case by case. This guide does not describe any court decision.
Where do I complain if a claim is handled badly?
In Connecticut, the Connecticut Insurance Department takes consumer complaints. In New York, the New York State Department of Financial Services is the complaint route, and insurers there must send an annual notice that homeowners policies do not cover flood.
Keep a written record of every call and letter with the insurer, with dates and names. Keep photographs and the cleanup invoices as well.
This guide does not state any claim deadline, limit or deductible rule, because none was confirmed. Those terms are in the policy and should be read there.
Frequently asked questions
Is a storm surge flood covered by my homeowners policy?
Generally no. Surge from Long Island Sound is flood, and flood cover comes through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood policy.
Does a burst pipe count as flood?
No. Water from a supply line or appliance inside the house is handled as a leak, which is a different question from flood under most policies.
Who do I contact about a New York insurer?
The New York State Department of Financial Services is the complaint route for New York insurers. Connecticut insurers are handled by the Connecticut Insurance Department.
Sources
- Connecticut Insurance Department, storm and flood fact sheet
- FloodSmart, National Flood Insurance Program
- New York State Department of Financial Services
This guide is general information for Fairfield County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.