Flood Insurance in Ohio

Ohio's diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, rivers, and lakes, make it susceptible to flooding, leading to significant damage and financial strain for homeowners. While charming cities like Columbus thrive, flood insurance protects investments and ensures a secure future. Many assume standard home insurance covers floods, but it often doesn't. Unlike fire or theft, flood damage is usually excluded from homeowners' policies. Ohio residents must understand flood risks and obtain proper insurance coverage to safeguard their homes and properties.

Bellwether Insurance is a trusted and experienced flood insurance provider in the state of Ohio. Our goal is to ensure that our customers are protected from any financial setback due to floods. Whether you’re purchasing a new home or simply need to protect your existing one, we have an option for you. 

We offer coverage for both residential and commercial properties with flexible terms. Our policies are tailored to your specific needs and can include additional coverage options for contents, replacement costs, and increased limits. 



We understand that flooding can cause unexpected damage, and we are here to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. To learn more about our flood insurance policies in Ohio or get a quote today, contact us now!

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for losses resulting from flooding or inundation. It is important to understand the risk associated with living in Ohio and obtaining the right flood insurance policy to cover your home and property in case of a disaster. 

Typically, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not include flood damage, as these policies exclude water damage from outside sources or events outside your control. If you live in a high-risk area, it is important to consider buying flood insurance to provide coverage for sudden and unexpected flooding events.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides coverage to Ohio residents who are located in participating communities. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period, so it is important to plan ahead and purchase coverage in advance.

The coverage provided by flood insurance can be broadly classified into two categories.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage, also called building coverage, provides coverage for the physical structure of your home and any attached structures, such as a garage. This type of coverage can pay for costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged parts of your home, including walls:

• Built-in appliances
• Built-in furniture
• Electrical systems
• Foundation walls
• Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
• Permanent carpets
• Plumbing systems
• Water heaters and furnaces 
• Foundational walls, staircases, and anchorages
• Large appliances like dishwashers or refrigerators
• Detached garages

Flood insurance through the NFIP caps the maximum coverage amount for your dwelling at $250,000. If you are looking for additional coverage to protect your home completely, it is important to consider purchasing a private flood insurance policy that can provide extended coverage beyond what is provided by the NFIP. 

Contents Coverage

Contents coverage, also known as personal property coverage, protects your personal belongings that have been damaged or destroyed by flood waters. This type of coverage can pay for the following:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Electronic equipment
• Washers and dryers
• Artwork
• Curtains 
• Portable air conditioners, including window units 
• Carpets not included in building coverage

The NFIP limits the maximum amount you can receive for content coverage to $100,000. 

However, you can supplement this coverage with a private flood insurance policy to increase the amount of protection for your personal belongings.

Flood insurance policies offer protection for many losses, but there are some items that may not be covered under NFIP policies. It is important to understand what these exclusions are in order to properly prepare yourself for a possible flood and know what coverage options you may need to supplement your policy. 

Common exclusions in Ohio flood insurance policies include, but are not limited to:

1. Decks and patios - Decks and patios are not typically covered in NFIP policies, as they can be damaged by flooding. If you want to protect these structures, it is recommended that you purchase a private flood insurance policy for additional coverage. 
2. Swimming pools - Swimming pools are another structure that may not be included in an NFIP policy. You should speak to your insurance provider if you are interested in including a swimming pool under your policy. 
3. Basement improvements - Any improvements you have made to the basement, such as an additional bathroom or finished floors, may not be covered if flood waters damage them.
4. Fences and landscaping- Fences and landscaping are not typically included in NFIP policies. Consider purchasing a private flood insurance policy to protect these structures from potential damage caused by flooding.
5. Valuable papers and records - Valuable papers and records, such as birth certificates, passports, or other important documents, may not be covered under flood insurance. 
6. Currency, coins, and stock certificates - Currency, coins, and stock certificates are not typically included in NFIP policies. You should take extra precautions to protect these items from flood damage.
7. Anything stored in a basement - Anything that is stored in a basement is not typically covered under flood insurance.
8. Preventable mold and mildew damage - Flood insurance will not typically cover mold and mildew damage that could have been avoided if proper precautions had been taken. 
9. Damaged cars - Vehicles damaged by flood waters are not typically included in NFIP policies. You should consider purchasing a separate policy to cover these items. 
10. Additional living expenses - NFIP policies do not typically cover additional living expenses if you are forced to evacuate or relocate due to a flood. Be sure to check with your insurance provider if this is an option. 
11. Damage caused by burst pipes - Damage caused by burst pipes is typically not covered under flood insurance. Such damages are covered by home insurance.
12. Sewer backups - Damage caused by sewer backups is also not typically covered by flood insurance. 

It is important to understand the limits of your flood insurance policy so that you can ensure that all of your valuable possessions and belongings are properly protected from potential damage caused by flooding.

The average cost of flood insurance in Ohio is $1,170 per year or $98 per month. This is higher compared to the national average of $859 a year from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, this figure doesn't include all the factors that can affect your premiums. Several factors can impact the cost of your flood insurance policy. They include:

• Flood Risk - The level of risk for a potential flood is determined by your home's location, elevation, and proximity to water bodies, such as rivers or lakes.
• Deductible - You can select the deductible you would like to pay on your policy. The higher your deductible, the lower the cost of the policy. 
• Policy Limits - This is the maximum amount the policy will pay out in case of a claim. The higher the coverage limits, the higher your premiums will be. 
• Discounts - Some insurance providers offer discounts for completing certain actions, such as taking proactive steps to protect your home from flooding.
• Age of structure - If your home is older, your premiums may be higher due to increased risk of damage. 
• Structure design - Homes with certain structural elements, such as raised foundations or elevated utilities, can qualify for discounts. 
• Coverage type - Your policy can include coverage for both your home and its contents. The cost of the coverage will vary depending on the type of coverage you choose.

By understanding the different factors that can affect your flood insurance premiums, you can make an informed decision about the type and amount of coverage you need.

Ohio homeowners have several options for reducing the cost of their flood insurance. 

• Higher Deductible - Increasing your deductible is one way to reduce your premiums. Higher deductibles generally result in lower monthly rates, as the insurance company assumes a greater amount of risk if you decide to make a claim. 
• Elevated Structure - Homes with raised foundations or elevated utilities may qualify for discounts. The cost of having your home inspected and certified can sometimes be more than offset by the savings in premium costs. 
• Flood Plain Maps - Check with your local government to see if you live in a designated floodplain area. If so, you may be eligible for special rates on flood insurance policies.
• Professional Assistance - Consider speaking with an independent agent who specializes in flood insurance. An experienced agent can help you identify discounts and other ways to reduce the cost of your policy. 

These strategies can help Ohio homeowners find the right coverage for their needs while controlling flood insurance costs. With an informed approach to selecting a policy, you can ensure your home and its contents are adequately protected in the event of a flood.

At Bellwether Insurance, we make it easy to compare multiple flood insurance quotes from providers in your area. Our free online quote tool allows you to quickly and easily get the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget. 

Take the time to shop around for Ohio flood insurance today, and save money on the policy of your choice. And if you ever have any questions about selecting a policy or filing a claim, our team of experienced agents is here to help. Contact us for a free quote today!