Understanding Flood Insurance: Why It Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to protecting your home, many people assume that standard homeowners insurance covers every kind of damage—including flooding. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Flood damage is not included in most homeowners policies, and as weather patterns continue to shift due to climate change, flood insurance has become more important than ever—especially in Rhode Island.
At The Slocum Agency, we’re here to break down the facts, clear up common misconceptions, and help you understand why flood insurance could be a crucial part of your coverage.
🌊 What Is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is a separate policy that protects you from damage caused by rising water—whether it’s from heavy rain, storm surge, overflowing rivers, or melting snow. It’s available for:
Homeowners
Renters
Business owners
In fact, if your property is in a high-risk flood zone, your lender may require you to have a flood policy.
What Does It Cover?
A standard flood policy typically includes:
Structural damage to your home or building
Electrical and plumbing systems
Water heaters, furnaces, and appliances
Permanently installed carpeting and flooring
Foundation walls and staircases
You can also choose to add contents coverage for:
Furniture
Clothing
Electronics
Other personal belongings
🏠 Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?
Yes—even if you don’t live near water.
More than 20% of flood insurance claims come from homes located in low to moderate-risk zones. Flooding can happen for many reasons, such as:
Heavy rainfall that overwhelms storm drains
Snowmelt
Flash floods
Sewer backups
Coastal storms
Just one inch of floodwater can cause over $25,000 in damage.
📍 Flood Risk in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s geography makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. With coastal towns, rivers, marshes, and aging infrastructure, the risk is widespread.
Some of the most flood-prone areas in the Ocean State include:
Warwick
Cranston
Newport
East Providence
Narragansett
South Kingstown
Even inland areas can see flash flooding during strong storms.
At The Slocum Agency, we work with Rhode Island homeowners every day to assess flood exposure and find the right coverage—whether through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers.
📝 How to Get Flood Insurance
You can’t wait until a storm is forecast—flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. Here's how to get started:
Contact us for a flood zone determination and risk review.
Decide on building, contents, or both types of coverage.
We'll shop options through NFIP and private carriers.
Choose the policy that best fits your needs and budget.
We’ll handle the paperwork and tailor the coverage to your home.
💡 Pro Tip: Explore Multi-Policy Discounts
While flood insurance is separate from homeowners coverage, some insurance carriers offer discounts when you hold multiple policies with them—such as home, auto, and umbrella. We’ll help you find every possible savings opportunity.
🛑 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Flooding is one of the most financially devastating disasters a homeowner can face. Without proper coverage, you may be left paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for repairs.
Let The Slocum Agency be your trusted advisor. With over 75 years of experience serving Rhode Islanders, we make it simple to:
✅ Understand your flood risk
✅ Compare policy options
✅ Secure the protection your home deserves
📞 Call us at (401) 738-3366
🌐 Visit www.slocumins.com to get started today.
