Do you need flood insurance? What homeowners get wrong

Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Even an inch of water can cause tens of thousands in damage, and you don't have to live on the coast to be at risk — a large share of flood claims come from outside high-risk zones.

How to get covered

Flood insurance is available through the NFIP and many private insurers. There's typically a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait for a storm in the forecast.