Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is located on the East Coast, which makes having flood insurance essential to protect your property. Standard homeowners insurance and business insurance policies don't cover property damage caused by natural floodwaters. Without the right coverage, you could face thousands of dollars or more in losses after just one flooding event.
Luckily, a local independent insurance agent in Pennsylvania can help you find all the flood insurance coverage you need. They can help you protect your property with an affordable flood insurance policy that includes all the necessary coverage. Until then, here's a deep dive into Pennsylvania flood insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs, and more.
Key Takeaways - Pennsylvania Flood Insurance
- Flood insurance can protect a property's contents, foundation, and structure against natural flood damage in Pennsylvania.
- The average cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,386 per year, or approximately $115 per month.
- Pennsylvania's average flood insurance costs are quite a bit more expensive than the current U.S. average rate of $899 per year or approximately $75 per month.
- In Pennsylvania, flood insurance is often required for properties located in high-risk flood areas and for those with mortgages.
- Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can tailor a policy to your unique property and coverage needs.
The Best Flood Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
There are many private flood insurance companies located throughout Pennsylvania. To help you get started, here are our top choices for the best flood insurance coverage.
- Foremost: This carrier sells flood insurance along with an extensive catalog of other insurance products. Foremost has excellent official ratings and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
- REInsure Pro: This carrier also sells flood insurance and many types of personal insurance products. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.
Your independent insurance agent can help you compare Pennsylvania flood insurance quotes and policy options from multiple carriers in your town.
How to buy flood insurance in Pennsylvania
Flood insurance is available in Pennsylvania from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from private insurance companies. An independent insurance agent in Pennsylvania can help you find the right type of flood insurance for your unique property. They can shop and compare policies and rates from several different carriers for you.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Pennsylvania?
In certain cases, it is. Flood insurance is typically mandatory for properties located in high-risk flood zones in Pennsylvania. But you might also be required to have flood insurance if you have a mortgage. Either way, flood insurance can be a wise choice, considering home insurance and business insurance won't reimburse you for losses caused by natural flood damage.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, flood insurance is designed to cover various types of natural flood damage to a property, including that stemming from hurricanes or heavy rainfall. Coverage comes with two main categories:
- Contents coverage: This covers your personal property and other contents stored inside the insured building against natural flood damage. Coverage applies to all of the following:
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Certain valuable items, such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500
- Carpets that are not included in building coverage
- Freezers and the food they contain
- Portable and window air conditioners
- Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
- Buildings coverage: This covers a building's structure and foundation against natural flood damage. Coverage also applies to all of the following:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and bookcases
- Permanently installed carpeting
- Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases
- Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment
- Furnaces and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances like dishwashers
- Detached garages
- Window blinds
A local Pennsylvania independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with the right amount of flood insurance in each category.
What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania?
Damage to vehicles caused by flooding is not covered by Pennsylvania flood insurance. Because of this, you might want to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. Additionally, flood insurance typically won't cover any of the following:
- Additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
- Preventable damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold
- Property and belongings outside of the insured building, such as walks, decks, patios, fences, trees, plants, wells, septic systems, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
- Personal property kept in a basement
- Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
- Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates
- Flood damage caused by sewer line breaks or backups*
*If you want to protect your home against flooding caused by sewer issues, your independent insurance agent can add a sewer backup endorsement to your Pennsylvania homeowners insurance policy.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania flood insurance costs an average of $1,386 per year, or approximately $115 per month. Pennsylvania's average flood insurance rate is quite a bit more expensive than the current national average flood insurance cost of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month.
Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the NFIP using the Pennsylvania flood insurance rate map. In addition, Pennsylvania flood insurance rates can be affected by these factors:
- The location, design, building materials, and age of your home
- The value of your home’s contents
- Your home's flood zone designation
- The type of coverage you purchased
- Whether or not your home has a basement
- The deductible and amount of coverage you need
Your independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable flood insurance coverage in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Flood Zones
Your flood zone designation in Pennsylvania can also greatly impact the cost of your coverage. With FEMA's official website, you can calculate an accurate Pennsylvania flood risk assessment for your area. You can also find the following comprehensive and user-friendly documents on FEMA's website:
- Pennsylvania flood zone maps
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania flood maps
- Pennsylvania flood zone map PDFS
- Pennsylvania flood plain maps
A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable flood insurance in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania cities and towns with the highest flood risk
Certain areas of Pennsylvania are more prone to flooding than others. If you own property in any of the following locations, check into getting flood insurance ASAP:
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Harrisburg
- Wilkes-Barre
- Williamsport
Flood insurance is possibly required for properties in these cities and towns. A local independent insurance agent can help you find the right policy.
The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania flood insurance discounts are available from:
- FEMA: You can sometimes earn flood insurance discounts from FEMA for newly mapped properties and for those in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts range from 5% to 45% and are set according to a property's classification.
- Private flood insurance companies: You can earn several different flood insurance discounts from many private insurers in Pennsylvania, such as savings for properties with flood-proofing measures and those built on stilts. Savings options vary by flood insurance company.
Your independent insurance agent can help you find all the Pennsylvania flood insurance discounts you're eligible to receive.
How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania
There are three ways to apply for Pennsylvania flood insurance:
- Though FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- From private flood insurance companies in Pennsylvania
- By working with a local independent insurance agent in Pennsylvania
A local independent insurance agent in Pennsylvania can help you shop and compare your flood insurance coverage options from many different carriers near you. They know where to find the best blend of coverage and cost.
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania flood insurance claims follow a simple process. Just use this guide if you ever need to file a flood insurance claim:
- Step 1: Contact your insurance company or agent: Report the flood disaster to your carrier or independent insurance agent immediately. Be ready with your insurance information and policy number so they can process your claim.
- Step 2: Prepare for an inspection: Wait to reenter your property until officials declare it's safe. Then, you'll be asked to prepare a detailed written report and take photo and video evidence of all property damage for your insurer.
- Step 3: Work with your claims adjuster: Your insurer will schedule a visit from a claims adjuster to assess the property damage to your home in person. You might receive an estimate for your reimbursement at the end of their evaluation.
- Step 4: Receive payment: You'll be sent reimbursement for your claim via either a direct deposit or a check. Your payout will depend on your coverage terms and the amount of property damage.
It can be easiest to file a claim directly through your independent insurance agent. They can keep you updated throughout the entire claims process.
FAQs About Pennsylvania Flood Insurance
What is the average cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,386 per year, or approximately $115 per month.
What is the best flood insurance company in Pennsylvania?
After comparing many flood insurance companies in Pennsylvania, we determined that the best option is Foremost. Foremost has excellent official ratings and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
Do you need flood insurance in Pennsylvania?
It's possible you will. Pennsylvania requires flood insurance for properties in high-risk flood areas. Your lender might also require you to have coverage if you have a mortgage.
Why work with an independent agent in Pennsylvania when shopping for flood insurance?
Pennsylvania independent insurance agents can help you find the flood insurance you need from a top-rated local carrier. Independent insurance agents work hard to find quality coverage at the most affordable rate. They'll shop and compare flood insurance quotes from several carriers for you.
And down the road, they can help you file flood insurance claims or update your coverage as needed. Your agent can help you find flood insurance in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or wherever you reside.
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/flood-insurance-cost
https://patch.com/pennsylvania/across-pa/here-are-pennsylvania-cities-greatest-flooding-risk