Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Washington
Situated on the coast, Washington can experience flooding disasters at any time of the year. Unfortunately, standard business insurance and homeowners insurance won't pay for natural flood damage to your property. That's why it's crucial to get set up with flood insurance as soon as possible.
Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent in Washington can help you find the right kind of flood insurance. They know how much coverage is ideal for your unique property. But first, here's a deep dive into Washington flood insurance rates, coverage, and more.
Key Takeaways - Washington Flood Insurance
- Washington flood insurance covers natural flood damage and destruction to a property's contents, foundation, and structure.
- The average cost of flood insurance in Washington is $957 per year, or approximately $80 per month, which is slightly higher than the current national average of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month.
- Washington flood insurance may be mandatory for properties located in high-risk flood zones or 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 Washington
Flood insurance can be bought from private flood insurance carriers in Washington. These are our top recommendations for the best Washington flood insurance companies:
- Progressive: This insurance company sells flood insurance, along with a large catalog of personal and commercial insurance policies. Progressive has excellent financial strength and offers 24/7/365 customer service.
- REInsure Pro: This insurance company sells flood insurance, along with several other personal insurance products. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.
Your independent insurance agent can compare Washington flood insurance quotes to find the right policy.
How to buy flood insurance in Washington
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurance companies each sell flood insurance in Washington. However, you can simplify the process of shopping for flood insurance in Washington by working with a local independent insurance agent. These agents have access to several flood insurance carriers in your area, so they can find you the best overall blend of coverage and cost.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Washington?
Sometimes it is. Flood insurance can be required for properties in Washington that are located in high-risk flood zones. Your mortgage lender may also require you to have flood coverage.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Washington?
Washington flood insurance can reimburse you for the cost of natural flood damage to a property's structure, foundation, and contents. In Washington, flood insurance is broken down into two categories:
- Buildings coverage: This can pay for repairs or rebuilding after natural flood damage to the structure or foundation of your property, including its plumbing and electrical systems, built-in appliances, furnaces, and air conditioning units, and permanently installed carpeting.
- Contents coverage: This can pay for repairs or replacements after natural flood damage to personal or business property in your home or business, including clothing, furniture, window treatments, décor, electronics, window air conditioners, portable appliances, carpeting, and flooring.
Washington independent insurance agents can help you get equipped with the ideal amount of flood insurance in each category.
What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Washington?
Make sure you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance or commercial auto insurance policy, because Washington flood insurance won't cover any flood damage to vehicles. In addition, flood insurance typically won't cover the following:
- Personal property kept in a basement
- Additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
- Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
- Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates
- 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
- Flood damage caused by sewer line breaks or backups*
*Your Washington independent insurance agent can help you add a sewer backup endorsement to your home insurance policy if you're interested in this protection.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Washington?
Washington flood insurance costs an average of $957 per year, or approximately $80 per month. This is slightly more expensive than the current national average flood insurance rate of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month.
Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the NFIP using the Washington flood insurance rate map. Additionally, Washington flood insurance rates can be affected by each of the following:
- The type of coverage you purchased
- Your deductible and the amount of coverage you need
- The value of your home’s contents
- The location, design, building materials, and age of your home
- Whether or not your home has a basement
- Your home's flood zone designation
Your independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable flood insurance coverage in Washington.
Washington Flood Zones
You can determine an accurate Washington flood risk assessment using FEMA's official website. Also, the following comprehensive and user-friendly documents are all available on the website:
- Washington flood zone maps
- Seattle, Washington, flood maps
- Washington flood zone map PDFS
- Washington flood plain maps
Your Washington flood zone designation can also impact the cost of your flood insurance, so it's a good idea to research yours before shopping for coverage.
Washington cities with the highest flood risk
In certain areas of Washington, flooding disasters happen more often than in others. If you own property in any of the following cities, be prepared with a flood insurance policy:
- Seattle
- Bellevue
- Tacoma
- Puyallup
- Snohomish
- Everett
- Redmond
- Kirkland
Flood insurance might actually be required for some properties in these areas. Your independent insurance agent can help you get covered with the right amount of Washington flood insurance.
The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Washington
You can get discounts on NFIP flood insurance coverage and private Washington flood insurance. FEMA offers flood insurance discounts for certain newly mapped properties and for residents in communities participating in the Community Rating System. Discounts are typically between 5% and 45% and are set based on each property's classification.
Private Washington flood insurance companies also provide discounts, depending on the specific carrier. Common flood insurance discounts are offered for homes built on stilts or those that have undergone other flood-proofing precautions. Your independent insurance agent can help you find all the flood insurance discounts in Washington that you're eligible to receive.
How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Washington
In Washington, you can buy flood insurance from any of the following:
- FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Private flood insurance companies in Washington
- Local independent insurance agents in Washington
A Washington independent insurance agent can help you weigh all your options to find the best flood insurance coverage.
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Washington
Use this easy guide to file Washington flood insurance claims after a flood disaster:
- Call your insurance company or agent: Prepare your insurance information and then call your carrier or independent insurance agent to report the disaster and initiate the claims process ASAP.
- Prepare evidence: Wait to reenter your property until officials have determined it's safe to do so. Next, you'll need to take photo and video evidence of any property damage and prepare a detailed written report for your carrier.
- Work with your claims adjuster: Your flood insurance carrier will schedule a home inspection visit from a claims adjuster to assess the property damage in person. The adjuster may provide you with a reimbursement estimate at the end of their visit.
- Get paid: Finally, you'll receive your payout. This can be in the form of a direct deposit or a check. The reimbursement amount you receive depends on the terms of your coverage and the extent of the flood damage.
If you file a claim through your Washington independent insurance agent, they can contact your carrier on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the entire process.
FAQs About Washington Flood Insurance
What is the average cost of flood insurance in Washington?
The average cost of flood insurance in Washington is $957 per year, or approximately $80 per month.
What is the best flood insurance company in Washington?
Our pick for the best flood insurance company in Washington this year is Progressive. Progressive has excellent financial strength and offers 24/7/365 customer service.
Do you need flood insurance in Washington?
You might. In Washington, flood insurance is often required for properties with a mortgage or that are located in high-risk flood zones.
Why work with an independent agent in Washington when shopping for flood insurance?
Washington 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 Long Beach or wherever you reside.
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/homeowners/learn/flood-insurance-cost
https://www.caringrealestate.com/blog/how-to-determine-if-your-property-is-located-in-a-flood-zone-in-washington-state/