How to Get Flood Insurance for Renters

Tenant insurance is a crucial investment for protecting your personal belongings. Standard policies usually provide protection against theft, fire, and other hazards, but what about flood damage? Many renters may not realize that some policies may not include flood coverage — however, this is one of the most common tenant insurance claims. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how to ensure you have this important policy.

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How to Get Flood Insurance for Your Rental

If you're concerned about flood damage, it's essential to ensure your tenant insurance policy provides adequate protection. While standard policies may not always include flood coverage, you can easily add this important safeguard to your plan. Follow these steps to secure the right flood insurance for your needs.

1. Review Coverage Options: Review APOLLO Insurance’s tenant insurance product and explore the optional water damage add-on.

2. Evaluate Coverage Needs: Take inventory of your belongings and calculate their value. This will help you determine the appropriate coverage amount.

3. Customize Your Policy: Customize your policy by adding the optional water damage add-on to your renters insurance.

4. Review Your Policy: Review your policy details, including coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles, to ensure you have the necessary protection in place.

5. Take Preventative Measures: Minimize flood risk by taking preventative measures, such as elevating your belongings if you live in a high-risk area.

What Type of Flood Damage Is Covered?

Not all water damage is treated the same way in insurance policies. It’s important to know the difference:

• Sudden & Accidental Water Damage: Typically covered under standard policies (e.g., burst pipes).

• Sewer Backup: Usually requires an add-on. This happens when heavy rain or blockages cause wastewater to flow back into your home.

• Overland Flooding: This is caused by rising water from rivers, lakes, or heavy rainfall. It’s often excluded from standard policies but can be added as optional coverage.

What’s NOT Covered by Flood Insurance?

While flood insurance protects you from many types of water damage, there are some important exclusions to be aware of. Understanding these limitations can help you avoid surprises when filing a claim.

• Gradual Water Damage: Insurance typically doesn’t cover damage caused by long-term leaks or poor maintenance (e.g., mold from an unnoticed pipe drip).

• Seepage Through Walls or Floors: If water slowly seeps into your unit due to foundation cracks or poor drainage, it may not be covered.

• Damage to the Building’s Structure: Your landlord is responsible for insuring the building itself. Tenant insurance only covers your personal belongings.

• Flooding from Outside Covered Areas: Some policies may exclude damage from extreme natural disasters like tsunamis or storm surges.

• Belongings Stored Outside: If water damages items left on a patio, balcony, or backyard, they may not be covered.

Pro Tip: Always read the fine print of your policy to fully understand what is and isn’t included. If you’re unsure, reach out to your insurance provider for clarification or check the Customer Portal for more information.

Common Myths About Flood Coverage

Many renters assume they don’t need flood insurance or believe their current policy already includes it. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

• “I don’t live near water, so I don’t need flood insurance.” Flooding can happen anywhere, even in areas far from lakes or rivers. Heavy rainfall, clogged drainage systems, and sudden plumbing failures can all lead to costly water damage.

• “My landlord’s insurance will cover my stuff.” Your landlord’s policy only covers the building itself, not your personal belongings. If a flood damages your furniture, electronics, or clothing, you’ll need tenant insurance with water damage coverage to get reimbursed.

• “If there’s a flood, I’ll get government assistance.” While government disaster relief programs exist, they are limited and often don’t cover personal property loss. Having the right insurance ensures you’re financially protected.

• “Flood insurance is too expensive.” Many renters are surprised to learn that adding flood coverage to their tenant insurance is affordable. APOLLO makes it easy to customize your policy to fit your budget.

Don’t assume you’re covered—take a moment to review your policy and add flood protection if needed!

What to Do If Your Home Floods

If you experience a flood in your rental unit, acting quickly can help minimize damage and speed up your claim process. Follow these steps:

1. Stay Safe

• If it’s safe to do so, turn off electricity and gas in affected areas.

• Avoid wading through standing water—it may contain harmful bacteria or be electrically charged.

2. Protect Your Belongings

• Move valuables, electronics, and important documents to higher ground.

• If possible, place furniture on blocks to prevent further damage.

3. Document Everything

• Take photos and videos of the damage before starting any cleanup.

• Keep track of damaged items, including their value and purchase date.

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

• File a claim as soon as possible. APOLLO makes the process quick and hassle-free, so you can get the support you need.

5. Start Cleanup

• Remove excess water using towels, buckets, or a wet vacuum.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space and prevent mold.

It’s important to remember that flood damage can be devastating, but with the correct coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing your personal belongings are protected.

APOLLO is Canada’s leading provider of tenant insurance, tailored specifically for renters and customizable to fit your unique lifestyle. Get your free quote in less than a minute and we’ll send your policy documents right to your inbox.

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