When you own a home or a car, taking care of your property is essential to making them last. There are several coverages you'll need to protect your items from the elements. Contrary to popular belief, Tennessee homeowners and auto insurance won't have flood coverage automatically.

Fortunately, a Tennessee independent insurance agent has access to FEMA-approved carriers so that you have options. They'll compare your policies, giving you the best coverage for your risk. Connect with a local expert for custom quotes in minutes.   

What Is Flood Insurance?

To have proper coverage for your personal property in Tennessee, you'll need a collection of policies. Check out how flood insurance can help:

• Flood insurance: This type of property insurance covers a structure for losses due to a flood. This is caused by snow melting, storm surges, heavy rainfall, storm drainage system failures, and even levee dam system failures.

There is a 30-day waiting period after your premium is paid before the coverage is effective.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Your property policies won't include coverage for flood damage automatically. In most cases, you will need to add limits or obtain a separate policy altogether. Check out what your Tennessee flood policy will cover:

• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Furnaces and water heaters
• Appliances 
• Vehicles 
• Detached garages
• Personal belongings

Natural disasters with the most economic damage worldwide (in billion US dollars)

Flood insurance will need to be purchased in addition to your homeowners policy. To have coverage for flood damage to your vehicles, you'll need to add comprehensive insurance to your auto policy. Comprehensive coverage provides insurance for damage to your vehicles due to fire, theft, severe weather, flooding, and hitting an unavoidable obstruction.

What Doesn't Flood Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Every policy comes with exclusions. Your Tennessee flood insurance is no different, and will have coverage for specific losses. First, it's vital to understand what a flood is:

• What is considered a flood: A flood is an excess of water on land that is usually dry. This typically is classified as affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties. 

Flood caused by water/sewer backups, burst pipes, waterline malfunctions, or roof leaks are not included under your flood coverage or policy. To obtain the right protection, consider using a trained adviser. 

Where Can I Buy Flood Insurance in Tennessee?

Flood insurance rates in Tennessee average $940 per year. The best place to purchase flood insurance is through a FEMA-approved carrier and licensed agent. Items that may affect your Tennessee flood insurance are:

• The location of your property
• The flood zone of your property
• Whether the property is residential or commercial
• Your insurance score
• Your loss history
• Prior coverage history

US states with the highest number of flood insurance claims

Flood insurance is usually not required, which means it can be easy to miss. Unless you're in a high-risk flood zone, your lenders will not typically mandate coverage. 

Does Flood Insurance Cover a Hurricane in Tennessee?

When a hurricane strikes your home or personal vehicle, flooding is common. To have proper coverage for a hurricane, you'll want flood insurance. 

A separate flood insurance policy will cover flood damage caused by a hurricane. FEMA has maximum limits of protection depending on what type of property you are insuring. They are as follows:

• Flood insurance for your home: Flood carriers usually offer $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for the building contents.
• Flood insurance for your business: Flood carriers usually allow $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the building contents.
• Flood insurance as a renter: Flood carriers typically offer $100,000 for contents-only coverage. 

How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help in Tennessee

No matter where you live, your property is at risk for flood damage. There are multiple carriers and coverages that can help protect your belongings from a hurricane and flooding. In order to ensure that your policies don't have gaps, consider using a licensed professional for free.

A Tennessee independent insurance agent will do the shopping for you at no additional cost, making it easy. They'll compare policies and premiums so that you're getting the best deal in town. Connect with a local expert on trustedchoice.com to start saving in minutes.