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(Washington, DC) As the District of Columbia gears up for the spring rains, the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is issuing today the following information on flood insurance to help safeguard District residents’ property against damaging flood waters.

It is worthwhile to note that the standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover flood damage.

What is a flood?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines flood to be a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is the policyholder’s property) from overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels.

What is flood insurance?
Flood insurance is a special policy that is federally backed by the NFIP. You may buy flood insurance that covers up to $250,000 for flood damage to your home. A standard flood policy will cover structural damage to your home, including damage to your furnace, water heater, air conditioner, floor surfaces (carpeting and tile) and debris clean up. For an additional premium, you also may buy flood coverage for up to $100,000 of damage to the contents of your home due to a flood. Coverage is available up to $500,000 for non-residential buildings and their contents.