Flood Prepareness

Don’t Get in Over Your Head

Q: Does home insurance cover natural disasters?

Home insurance covers many natural disasters like hurricanes and fires, but often excludes floods and earthquakes, which require additional coverage.

Q: What is a deductible, and how does it work?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, with a $1,000 deductible, if you have $10,000 in damage, you pay the first $1,000, and your insurance covers the remaining $9,000.

Q: What should I do if my home is uninhabitable after a disaster?

If you are an American Integrity policyholder, contact us immediately if your home is uninhabitable. We can help arrange temporary housing and cover additional living expenses if your policy includes Additional Living Expenses coverage.

Q: How do I know what type of damage is covered?

Check your policy documents (you can view these online by logging into our <a href='http://portal.myaii.com/csp/' data-sf-ec-immutable='' data-sf-marked=''>Customer Portal</a> for specific coverage details). You can also contact your agent to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy. Typically, your policy covers damage from perils like fire, windstorms, and theft, but may exclude others like flooding unless you have additional coverage.

Q: What makes American Integrity unique?

We offer coverage designed for the Southeast&rsquo;s unique risks, like hurricanes and flooding, supported by deep local expertise and outstanding service. Our broad product portfolio covers everything from homes to boats, golf carts, and rental properties&mdash;always with integrity at the heart of what we do.

Q: How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim with American Integrity by calling our 24/7 claims line at 1-866-277-9871 or filing online through our <a href='http://portal.myaii.com/csp/' data-sf-ec-immutable='' data-sf-marked=''>Customer Portal</a>. If you have tropical storm or hurricane-related damage, please call 844-MYAIIC1 (844-692-4421).

When it rains frequently, like in Florida during our warmest months, it can be difficult to assess the level of danger. People often underestimate the power and force of water, though flash floods are a leading cause of weather-related fatalities and the leading cause of weather-related damage in the United States. It is important to plan ahead to know what to do and what not to do if a flood is imminent.

Know the Different Types of Floods

There are different types of floods that may affect your home, and it’s important to understand the differences so you can respond accordingly.

Flash Floods

When a normally dry area experiences a rapid water level rise, this is known as a flash flood. Minutes or hours can separate the time between the heavy rain and flooding. A flash flood can also occur when water from a stream or creek rises quickly, or even when there is no weather event at all – a dam bursts, for example.

River Floods

Prolonged rainfall over several days can cause a river or stream to overflow, flooding the surrounding areas.

Urban Floods

The amount of ground able to absorb rainfall is decreased in urban areas, thus increasing water runoff.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

In addition to their many other weather hazards, hurricanes can also bring the risk of flooding. Storm surges from a Category 2 hurricane can be six feet above normal, with major hurricanes increasing that number.

Preparing Your Home for Floods

Know Your Zone & Evacuation Routes

Make sure you know if you are in a high-risk flood zone. Ensure you understand how floodwaters may affect your property, and plan your evacuation route before severe weather is near.

Monitor Weather Alerts

Keep an eye on the forecast and sign up for local emergency alerts to get updates on the storm. Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio for updates.

Create a Home Inventory

Having a complete record of property expedites the claims process and helps ensure that you are reimbursed for your belongings. This can easily be captured with a smartphone or video camera.

Review Your Flood Coverage

Review your home insurance policy and confirm you have flood coverage. Standard homeowners insurance policies DO NOT cover flood loss, and federal flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect. If you’re not covered, talk to your insurance agent about this important coverage.

Secure Important Documents

Store copies of critical documents like insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports in a waterproof and portable container so you can quickly grab them on the go.

During the Flood