A common misconception is the scope of flood insurance in Fort Worth. Our policyholders believe it covers indoors and outdoors. Of course, it covers damage to your home and belongings. However, our experience with outdoor structure coverage is different.

Does flood insurance cover exterior structures?

Flood insurance doesn’t cover damage to decks, patios, fences, porches, barns, sheds, roofing, gazebos, swimming pools, hot tubs, septic systems, carports, or detached garages. In rare instances, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will pay 10% of its value for detached garages that meet its standards. Detached accessory dwelling units may also receive coverage, as they’re a separate residential area on the same land. Riders or endorsements related to exterior structures may be available. 

The team at SWH Insurance Agency LLC follows the National Flood Insurance Program’s rules. However, our partner carriers have riders or endorsements for outdoor property that the NFIP does not.

Why won’t flood insurance cover exterior structures?

The insurance industry did not structure its policies to include damage to exterior structures in its coverage offerings. Flood insurance focuses on damage to the home and everything inside it, not everything outside of it. Exterior structures are non-essential items.

What will cover damage to exterior structures?

Your home insurance policy will cover it with a rider or endorsement for outdoor property or landscaping. It will not cover outdoor structures without those add-ons. If there is damage to an outdoor structure and you don’t have flood or homeowners’ insurance, you must pay out of pocket to repair it.

You never know when flooding will strike Fort Worth. Being prepared with adequate flood insurance before it happens is a smart idea. The team at SWH Insurance Agency LLC is happy to draw up a new policy or review your existing one for changes. Contact us for more information.