Flood Insurance
FLOOD INSURANCE
Why Flood Insurance Is an Important Part of Property Protection
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood insurance risks. Many property owners assume flood damage is covered by homeowners or rental property insurance, but in most cases it is not. Flood insurance is a separate form of coverage designed specifically to protect homes and properties from flood related losses.

At Central States Insurance Brokers LLC, we help property owners in St. Louis and surrounding areas understand flood risk and secure flood insurance that aligns with their exposure. Whether your property is located near a river, creek, or in an area that experiences heavy rainfall and drainage issues, flood damage can occur even outside high risk zones.
As an independent insurance agency, we help clients explore flood insurance options and understand how flood coverage works alongside existing property policies.
Licensed in MO & IL
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What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood insurance policies generally provide coverage for the structure, contents, or both, depending on how the policy is set up.
Building Coverage
Building coverage protects the physical structure of the property, including foundation elements, walls, electrical systems, plumbing, heating systems, and built in appliances. This coverage applies to damage caused directly by flooding.

We help property owners determine appropriate building coverage limits based on the structure and construction type. Coverage limits should reflect the cost to repair or restore flood damaged components.
Contents Coverage
Contents coverage protects personal belongings inside the property, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances. For rental properties, this coverage applies to the owner’s property, not tenant belongings.

We help homeowners and landlords evaluate how much contents coverage is appropriate and explain how claims are settled.
Flood Insurance for Homes and Rental Properties
Flood insurance is relevant for both owner occupied and rental properties. Coverage structure may vary depending on how the property is used.
Primary Residences
Homeowners can purchase flood insurance to protect both the structure and personal belongings. Even properties outside designated high risk flood zones may benefit from coverage, as many flood claims occur in moderate or low risk areas.
Rental and Income Properties
Landlords can insure the structure of rental properties against flood damage. Flood related repairs can be costly and may lead to extended vacancies. Flood insurance can help reduce financial disruption after a loss.
Flood Zones and Risk Awareness
Flood zones are used to indicate relative flood risk, but they do not eliminate the possibility of flooding outside designated areas. Changes in development, drainage systems, and weather patterns can affect flood behavior over time.

We help clients understand what flood zones mean, how they are determined, and why flood insurance may still be worth considering even when it is not required by a lender.
Waiting Periods and Policy Timing
Flood insurance policies typically include a waiting period before coverage becomes effective. This means coverage does not start immediately after purchase.

We explain waiting period requirements clearly so clients can plan ahead rather than attempting to secure coverage after flooding is already imminent. Flood insurance is most effective when placed proactively.
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What Qualifies as a Flood
Insurance defines a flood differently than many people expect. A flood is typically defined as an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more properties or two or more acres. This can include:

- Heavy or prolonged rainfall
- Overflow of rivers, streams, or drainage systems
- Rapid snowmelt
- Surface water accumulation
- Water entering a property from outside
Because of this definition, many types of water damage are excluded under standard property policies. Flood insurance is designed to address these specific situations.
Coordinating Flood Insurance With Other Policies
Flood insurance works alongside homeowners, rental property, and landlord insurance. Each policy covers different types of losses, and coordination is important to avoid gaps.

We help ensure flood insurance integrates properly with existing coverage and explain what each policy does and does not cover. This clarity helps reduce confusion during a claim.
Ongoing Review of Flood Risk
Flood risk is not static. Changes to the property, surrounding development, and weather patterns can all affect exposure over time.

We encourage periodic reviews of flood insurance needs, especially after renovations, property purchases, or changes in occupancy. Our team remains available to discuss updates and make adjustments as needed.
Common Flood Insurance Misconceptions
Many property owners delay flood insurance due to misunderstandings. Some believe flood insurance is only needed in high risk areas or that disaster assistance will cover losses. In reality, disaster assistance is not guaranteed and often comes in the form of loans rather than insurance payments.

Others assume flood insurance is too expensive. In many cases, premiums are more affordable than expected, especially when coverage is purchased before a loss occurs.
We help clients understand the true cost and value of flood insurance so decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions.
Get in Touch
If you are concerned about flood risk or want to explore flood insurance options, we are ready to help. Contact Central States Insurance Brokers LLC by phone at (314) 833 3399 or by email at csibinsurance@gmail.com.
