Flood insurance, in place before the forecast
Flooding is the most common natural disaster, and homeowners policies exclude it. More than 1 in 4 flood claims come from outside high-risk zones, and most policies have a 30-day waiting period.
NFIP and private flood markets · No cost to compare
See where your flood risk comes from
Select what applies. Not sure of your FEMA zone? A broker can look it up in minutes. Nothing is stored or shared.
Your operation
Select everything that applies.
Coverage that typically applies
3 coverages — a starting point for a conversation, not a quote.
- Building coverageRepairs the structure: foundation, walls, systems and built-ins.
- Contents coverageYour belongings, under a separate flood limit from the building.
- Loss of use (private flood)NFIP excludes living expenses if you're displaced; private flood can add it.
Flood is a separate policy with its own rules
Building coverage (Coverage A)
Repairs or rebuilds the structure after a flood: foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing, furnace, water heater and built-in appliances.
- Worth checking: insure to full rebuild cost. Over $250,000, you'll need private or excess flood above the NFIP cap.
Contents coverage (Coverage B)
Covers furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables damaged by flood water, under a separate limit you choose.
- Worth checking: contents is optional. Skip it and your belongings aren't covered. NFIP caps contents at $100,000.
NFIP vs. private flood
The federal NFIP offers up to $250,000 building and $100,000 contents. A growing private market offers higher limits, broader terms and sometimes better pricing.
- We compare NFIP and private options side by side.
The 30-day wait
Flood policies generally don't take effect for 30 days after purchase.
- You cannot buy flood insurance once the forecast turns. Put it in place well before you need it.
What's not covered
Standard NFIP policies exclude additional living expenses, most basement finishes and contents, and property outside the building such as landscaping, decks and pools.
- Private flood can add loss of use and broader terms.
Flood experience in the Pacific Northwest
NFIP and private markets
We shop the NFIP and private flood carriers, often finding higher limits or better pricing than NFIP alone.
Zone and elevation
We read your FEMA flood zone, base flood elevation and elevation certificate, and credit protections like elevation, flood vents, sump pumps with battery backup and elevated utilities.
We plan for the wait
Protecting Pacific Northwest homes since 1992, we help you put coverage in place well before a storm is on the radar.
Get flood coverage in place
Share a few details and a broker will check your flood zone, compare NFIP and private options, and follow up, usually within one business day.
- Homeowners insurance covers nothing for flood
- A 30-day waiting period applies to most policies
- 1 in 4 flood claims come from outside high-risk zones
Have an elevation certificate? You can email it to info@firstunderwriters.com after you submit.
Not sure of your flood zone?
Call us with your address and we'll look up your FEMA zone and explain your options.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. The flood check is illustrative and not a quote. Flood coverage is generally subject to a 30-day waiting period; NFIP building and contents limits and private flood options, eligibility and premiums vary by property, flood zone, elevation and carrier, are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.