Tennessee Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Tennessee

Flood insurance can help protect your property against flood damage caused by natural sources, such as rainfall, snowmelt, hurricanes, or overflowing rivers. In Tennessee, this coverage is critical. Homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for your home or belongings against natural flood damage.

Luckily, a Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the flood insurance you need. They'll get you matched to a policy at the right price. But first, here's a closer look at flood insurance rates and requirements in Tennessee.

The Best Flood Insurance Companies in Tennessee

Tennessee residents can get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and have coverage that's backed and regulated by the federal government. The NFIP is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sells its flood insurance through traditional flood insurance companies. The NFIP's coverage limits for individuals are $250,000 for buildings coverage and $100,000 for personal property coverage. 

However, Tennessee residents can also get private flood insurance, which offers much higher limits for coverage, along with certain protections not offered by the NFIP, including loss of use coverage or replacement cost coverage. 

Here are some of the best flood insurance companies in Tennessee:

• Allstate
• American Family
• Assurant
• Auto-Owners Insurance Company
• Liberty Mutual
• National General Insurance Company
• USAA
• Westfield Insurance Company

A local Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you find the flood insurance you need through one of these carriers.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Tennessee?

Sometimes. Flood insurance in Tennessee is not required by state law, but if you're located in a high-risk county or flood zone, you're likely required to have it. Federally backed mortgage agreements also often require homeowners to purchase flood insurance.

Having flood insurance may not be explicitly required where you are, but having coverage is usually a safer bet than not. Without flood insurance, your home insurance or regular business insurance won't cover natural water damage to your property. 

Without the right flood coverage, you could end up paying thousands out of your own pocket for repairs or rebuilding. If you experience flooding in your basement, you may need to replace appliances, such as your furnace and water heater. 

You may also notice problems with structural damage or need to pay for expensive mold removal. If your home does not have a basement, as is the case with many of Tennessee’s manufactured and mobile homes, or if floodwaters rise to above-ground floors, your damage could be far more expensive. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Flood insurance in Tennessee covers a building's foundation, structure, and contents. These policies are available to individuals and business owners. 

Whether you get a personal or business policy, you have the option to buy either structural coverage, contents coverage, or both. Most homeowners opt to purchase both, while renters only need contents coverage, and landlords may only want structural coverage.

• Buildings coverage: This coverage reimburses you for the costs associated with repairing damage to the structure of your home or building. When insuring your home, you can purchase up to $250,000 in building coverage; if insuring a business, you can purchase up to $500,000. This coverage protects the following:
  • The building’s foundation
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Heating and air conditioning units (excluding portable units)
  • Built-in appliances
  • Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished floors
• Contents coverage: This coverage reimburses you for the costs associated with repairing or replacing lost or damaged property you keep within your home or business. Individuals can purchase up to $100,000 in contents coverage, while business owners can purchase up to $500,000. This includes coverage for the following:
  • Furnishings, artwork, and other décor
  • Clothing, jewelry, and other accessories
  • Electronics
  • Window unit air conditioners
  • Portable appliances
  • Merchandise and inventory (for businesses)
  • Carpeting and flooring installed over finished floors

A Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you find all the flood insurance coverage you need for your home or business. 

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Tennessee?

Tennessee flood insurance isn't designed to cover every issue that could be associated with a natural flooding event. Damage caused to the home by mold, mildew, or moisture that the homeowner could've prevented is specifically excluded from coverage. Also, certain valuable types of property, such as important papers, precious metals, and currency, are excluded from coverage. 

Some types of property outside the home, including decks and hot tubs, are also excluded from coverage, as is any landscaping. Tennessee flood insurance also won't cover contents kept in your home's basement. Your independent insurance agent can help you review the specific coverage exclusions in your flood insurance policy.

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How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Tennessee?

Tennessee flood insurance costs an average of $1,126 per year, or approximately $94 per month. This rate is considerably 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 Tennessee flood insurance rate map. In addition, Tennessee flood insurance rates can be affected by the age of your home, the types and amounts of coverage you need, and the deductible amount you select. 

Higher deductibles can result in lower premiums, but you'd have to pay more out of pocket if you filed a claim. Keep that in mind when selecting your policy. A Tennessee independent insurance agent can also help ensure you save the most money possible on flood insurance.

Tennessee Flood Zones

Using FEMA's official website, you can determine your Tennessee flood risk assessment. In addition, all of the following comprehensive and user-friendly documents are available on FEMA's website:

• Tennessee flood zone maps
• Nashville, Tennessee flood maps
• Tennessee flood zone map PDFS
• Tennessee flood plain maps

Your Tennessee flood zone designation can also impact the cost of your flood insurance premiums. Your independent insurance agent can help you find affordable Tennessee flood insurance in your area. 

Tennessee cities with the highest flood risk

Tennessee isn't located right on the coast, but many areas of the state are still especially prone to flooding disasters. In the following cities, many properties may be required to have flood insurance:

1. Nashville-Davidson
2. Memphis
3. Chattanooga
4. Knoxville
5. Clarksville
6. Murfreesboro
7. Kingsport
8. Hendersonville
9. East Ridge
10. Johnson City

A local Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the required flood insurance for your property if you're located in a high-risk flood area. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Tennessee

Depending on where you get your flood insurance in Tennessee, several flood insurance discounts may be available. 

• FEMA's NFIP: Flood insurance discounts are often available 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: Several flood insurance discounts are available from many private carriers in Tennessee, such as those for properties with flood-proofing measures and those built on stilts. 

Your independent insurance agent can help you find all the Tennessee flood insurance discounts you're eligible to receive to reduce your premiums as much as possible. 

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Tennessee

Flood insurance in Tennessee can be bought via any of these three major avenues:

1. Through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
2. Through private flood insurance companies in Tennessee
3. By working with a local independent insurance agent in Tennessee

An independent insurance agent can help you find the right kind of flood insurance for your unique property in Tennessee, whether it's commercial or residential. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Tennessee

The flood insurance claims process in Tennessee can, fortunately, be much easier than dealing with the cleanup after a storm. Follow this easy guide if you ever need to file a Tennessee flood insurance claim. 

• Step 1: Make a call: Right away, be sure to contact either your flood insurance company or a Tennessee independent insurance agent to report the flooding disaster. They'll need your insurance information, such as your policy number.
• Step 2: Prepare evidence: Once your property has been officially declared safe for reentry, prepare photo and video evidence of any property damage. Your insurance company will likely also request a written report. 
• Step 3: Meet with a claims adjuster: Your flood insurance company will schedule an in-person home inspection, performed by a claims adjuster. They'll assess the property damage and might provide you with an estimate for reimbursement. 
• Step 4: Claim your payout: Finally, your insurer will issue your payout via direct deposit or check after your claim has been processed. Your reimbursement depends on the extent of the damage and your total coverage. 

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can actually file flood insurance claims directly through your insurance company for you. They'll also keep you updated throughout the process and let you know when you can expect reimbursement. 

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Tennessee Flood Insurance FAQs