Interpreting a Flood Insurance Policy: Unit 7

General Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage Limitations in areas below the lowest elevated floor and basements

1. Basements
2. Crawlspaces under an elevated building
3. Enclosed areas beneath buildings elevated on full story foundation walls that are sometimes referred to as “walkout basements,” and
4. Enclosed areas under other types of elevated buildings.

What is insured under Building Property coverage

• Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases attached to the building.
• Central air conditioners.
• Cisterns and the water in them.
• Drywall for walls and ceilings (in basements only).
• Nonflammable insulation (in basements only).
• Electrical outlets, switches, and circuit breaker boxes.
• Fuel tanks and the fuel in them, solar energy equipment, well water heaters, heat pumps, and sump pumps.

What is insured under Personal Property coverage

• Washers and dryers.
• Food freezers and the food in them (but not refrigerators).
• Portable and window air conditioners.

What is not insured by either Building Property or Personal Property coverage

• Paneling, bookcases, and window treatments such as curtains and blinds.
• Carpeting, area carpets, and other floor coverings such as tile.
• Drywall for walls and ceilings (below lowest elevated floor).
• Walls and ceilings not made of drywall.
• Most personal property such as clothing, electronic equipment, kitchen supplies, and furniture.