Delaware Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates & Companies in Delaware

Flooding is a legitimate concern for residents and business owners in Delaware. In fact, almost 20% of the 1,948 square miles that make up Delaware is within a 100-year floodplain. While your homeowners insurance policy won't cover damage to your property from natural floodwaters, fortunately, flood insurance will. 

A local Delaware independent insurance agent can help you find the right amount of flood insurance for your unique property. They'll get you matched to all the flood coverage you need to protect yourself against potentially catastrophic financial losses. But first, here's a guide to Delaware flood insurance.

Key Takeaways - Delaware Flood Insurance

• In Delaware, flood insurance can cover the cost of damage to a property's structure and contents from natural flooding. 
• Flood insurance in Delaware costs about $765 annually, or $64 per month. 
• You can be required to have flood insurance in Delaware if your property is located in a high-risk flood zone or if you have a mortgage.
• Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can tailor a policy to your unique property and coverage needs.

Best Flood Insurance Companies in Delaware

There are many different private insurance companies in Delaware that sell flood insurance. But to get you started, here are a couple of our top recommendations for outstanding carriers that sell flood insurance in your state. 

• USAA: This carrier offers flood insurance, along with a range of personal and business insurance products. USAA has outstanding financial strength, excellent official ratings, and affordable premium rates.
• Allstate: This carrier also offers flood insurance, in addition to a comprehensive catalog of personal and business insurance products. Allstate has excellent financial strength, works with independent insurance agents, and offers several discounts.

An independent insurance agent in Delaware can help you compare flood insurance quotes and coverage options from these carriers and others in your area. 

How to buy flood insurance in Delaware

Delaware flood insurance is sold by private insurance companies and FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can shop for coverage in person, online, or with the help of an independent insurance agent. These agents can access flood insurance policies from multiple carriers in your area to find the best coverage, rates, and customer service available in Delaware. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Delaware?

Sometimes, yes, flood insurance can be required. Delaware's flood insurance requirements apply to property owners in high-risk flood zones. If your home or business is located in one of these areas, you'll likely be required to have flood insurance. Additionally, if you have a government-backed mortgage, you'll also likely be required by your lender to have flood insurance coverage in Delaware. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Delaware?

Flood insurance in Delaware covers your home's structure and your personal property. You can also get this coverage to protect a business and its property. Standard flood insurance policies include two main types of coverage:

• Buildings coverage: This can reimburse you for damage to your home's structure and various elements, such as electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, and built-in appliances, caused by natural flooding.
• Contents coverage: This can reimburse you for damage to your personal belongings caused by natural flooding, such as jewelry, electronics, clothing, removable appliances, and furniture. 

An independent insurance agent can help you find a complete flood insurance policy that includes enough coverage for all of your property in each category. 

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Delaware?

Flood insurance in Delaware won't cover your vehicles against damage caused by natural floodwaters. You'll need comprehensive coverage in your car insurance policy for that. Additionally, Delaware flood insurance tends to come with the following exclusions:

• Additional living expenses
• Personal belongings stored in basements
• Valuable papers like certificates and currency
• Business property and interruptions
• Outdoor property like septic systems, decks, patios, landscaping, wells, hot tubs, pools, and fences
• Flooding caused by sewer backups and line breaks*

*Your independent insurance agent can help you add a sewer backup endorsement to your Delaware home insurance policy to protect against losses caused by sewer line breaks and backups. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Delaware?

The average flood insurance cost in Delaware is $765 per year, or approximately $64 per month. Delaware's rates are a bit cheaper than the current national average of $899 per year, or about $75 per month. 

Local flood insurance costs are set by FEMA and the NFIP according to the Delaware flood insurance rate map. But overall, the price of flood insurance can vary depending on these factors:

• The home's flood zone designation
• The history of flooding in the area
• The location of the home
• The building materials used in the home
• The amount of coverage chosen

An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable flood insurance in Delaware. 

Delaware Flood Zones

Delaware flood zone maps are available online for your convenience. You can find Delaware flood maps, including Dover, on FEMA's official website. FEMA offers comprehensive, user-friendly tools to help residents and business owners assess their flood risk in Delaware. Users can download Delaware flood zone map PDFs, Delaware floodplain maps, and more.

Delaware cities with the highest flood risk

If you live in any of these Delaware cities, your property is at a higher risk of flooding than those in other areas of the state:

1. Rehoboth Beach 
2. South Bethany
3. Wilmington
4. Lewes

Flood insurance is even more important for residents, business owners, and other property owners in any of these cities. An independent insurance agent can help you protect your property with the right Delaware flood insurance. 

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Delaware

The NFIP's website makes it easy to apply for flood insurance in Delaware. However, it can be even easier to work with a local independent insurance agent in Delaware. These agents have access to multiple private flood insurance companies, and they can help you find the best rate and coverage for your unique property. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Delaware

Delaware offers a few potential discounts for flood insurance. Flood insurance discounts are offered by FEMA for some newly mapped properties and for properties in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Discounts range from 5% to 45% depending on the property's classification. An independent insurance agent can also help you find any Delaware flood insurance discounts you qualify for. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Delaware

The process of filing flood insurance claims in Delaware doesn't have to be confusing or difficult. Use this guide if you ever need to file a flood insurance claim in Delaware:

1. Contact your insurance company or agent: Call your flood insurance company or independent insurance agent. Be prepared with your insurance information, including your policy number, when you report the incident. 
2. Prepare for an inspection: Wait until officials declare your home safe to reenter before you evaluate the damage inside. Your insurance company is likely to require a detailed written report and photo or video evidence of property damage caused by the flooding. 
3. Work with your claims adjuster: A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case by your insurer. They'll schedule a home inspection visit with you to assess the damage in person. You might receive a reimbursement estimate at the end of their visit. 
4. Receive payment: You'll receive reimbursement in the form of direct deposit or a claims check mailed to you by your insurance company. The amount of reimbursement depends on your coverage terms and the extent of the damage. 

Your Delaware independent insurance agent can file claims for you and keep you updated through every step of the process, including providing an ETA for when you can expect to receive reimbursement for your claim.

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