Building coverage includes:

The building and its foundation
The electrical and plumbing systems
Major systems like central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and the hot water heater
Some appliances such as refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances like dishwashers
Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor (e.g., wood, cement)
Window blinds
Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets
A detached garage (up to 10% of building property coverage)

Coverage for contents includes:

Clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
Curtains
Portable and window air conditioners
Portable appliances such as microwaves and dishwashers
Carpeting that is not covered under the building coverage
Clothes washers and dryers
Food freezers and the food in them
Certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)

Related: 3 strategies for recovering from flood losses

What it doesn't cover

There are a number of damages and expenses a flood insurance policy will not cover. These include:

Currency, precious metals and valuable papers like stock certificates
Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been prevented by the homeowner or renter
Property and items outside of the dwelling such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walkways, decks, patios, fences, hot tubs, seawalls and swimming pools
Financial losses due to business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
Most self-propelled vehicles – e.g., cars, motorcycles, four-wheelers, etc.
Damage from sewer backups

Related: Here's why some water damage claims aren't covered

File your flood claim as soon as possible

Residents with a flood insurance policy should file a claim as quickly as possible if they sustain flood damage. If there is an official Presidential Disaster Declaration, homeowners may be eligible for assistance from other sources such as FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or even some state or private organizations.

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