Is Your Homeowners Insurance Ready for Storm Season?

Many people who don’t live in flood-prone areas assume that their homeowners’ insurance policy will protect them during storm season. For homeowners in the mid-Atlantic, especially the New York metropolitan area, that can be a dangerous (and potentially expensive) assumption.

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts below-normal activity during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, experts warn that a quieter season can still produce severe property damage, storm surge, and flooding in heavily populated coastal areas.

Why Homeowners Should Still Prepare for Storm Season in 2026

Thanks to El Niño, NOAA predicts below-normal activity during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and continues through November 30. The agency estimates a 55% chance of fewer storms than usual this year. Of the 8 to 13 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) in the forecast, 3 to 6 are expected to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).

Recent years have shown how vulnerable the Northeast remains to flooding, storm surge, and wind damage from tropical weather systems. In fact, a new report by Cotality ranks the New York metropolitan area as facing the greatest risk of storm surge and hurricane wind.

Both coastal flooding (overflow of inland or tidal waters) and flash flooding (rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters) require special flood insurance, available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers.

Floods are the leading cause of property loss and are responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than any other disaster. The NFIP reports that 90% of natural disasters in the United States involve flooding.

Why Flood Insurance Is Critical

Some properties identified on flood maps as being in high-risk areas must carry flood insurance if the mortgage is held by a federally regulated lender. However, flooding can happen anywhere that receives rain or snow. In fact, on average, 40% of NFIP flood insurance claims fall outside high-risk flood areas. In other words, homes located many miles from oceans, lakes or rivers are in danger of major flooding.

Many homeowners don’t realize that their insurance policy only covers sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes or appliance failures. A standard policy doesn’t cover flooding when water enters a home because of heavy or prolonged rain, melting snow or coastal storm surges.

With more extreme weather linked to climate change, even homeowners in areas of low-to-moderate flooding risk should consider flood coverage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that 99% of U.S. counties were affected by a flooding event between 1996 and 2019, with an average NFIP flood claim payout of $52,000 in 2019. Even one inch of flood water can cause up to $25,000 in damage.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Flood insurance usually consists of two policies—one that protects the building, another that covers contents—that can be purchased separately. Residential properties (1-4 families) can be insured for up to $250,000, with contents insured for a maximum of $100,000. Commercial properties can be insured for up to $500,000 for both the building and its contents. NFIP insurance rates are set by the government, so pricing won’t vary much from agency to agency.

Property owners can buy flood coverage at any time, but policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect. Also, homeowners cannot increase the amount of coverage after the flooding starts.

Private insurance companies, not affiliated with the NFIP, also offer flood insurance, and their rates and coverage can vary. Homeowners can also turn to a private carrier for excess flood insurance coverage, which will increase the limits of either federal or private flood insurance policies. Policy limits and deductibles will vary, based upon the flood risk of the zone where the building is located.

How to Shop for Flood Insurance

When it comes to flood insurance, having the right insurance partner can make all the difference. Since government-issued flood insurance policies are the same, regardless of where they’re purchased, it’s important to choose an agent or broker who will deliver prompt, painless service in case of a claim. (The government sets the rates for government-issued food insurance, and all companies that service those policies will charge the same amount.) When considering private flood insurance and excess flood insurance policies, a knowledgeable insurance partner can help you select the right coverage for your specific needs.

If you have any questions about your current insurance policy or flood insurance, or if you would like a free insurance review, please call us at 877-576-5200.