A shingle-style home right on the water behind a bulkhead

NFIP & Private Markets · Nassau County · Long Island

Flood Insurance on Long Island

Every standard homeowners policy in America excludes flood. On an island, that exclusion deserves more thought than it usually gets. We write both NFIP and private flood, and we will price them against each other.

Start My Quote Call (516) 216-5600

83 Franklin Ave, Franklin Square, NY 11010 · Office Mon–Fri 9–5

What People Get Wrong About Flood

Four assumptions cost Long Island homeowners real money, and we hear all four regularly.

“My homeowners policy covers it”

It does not. Rising water is excluded from every standard homeowners form. Water damage from a burst pipe is a different peril and generally is covered — that distinction is where most of the confusion lives.

“I'm not in a flood zone”

Being outside a mapped high-risk zone means your lender is not forcing you to buy it. It does not mean water cannot reach you, and coverage outside those zones is priced accordingly.

“I'll buy it when a storm is coming”

NFIP policies carry a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, with narrow exceptions. Once a storm is named it is too late.

“NFIP is the only option”

Not anymore. Private flood carriers often beat NFIP pricing and can offer higher limits than the federal program's caps. We quote both and show you the comparison.

What a Flood Policy Generally Covers

The structure itself — foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, built-in appliances
Contents, when you buy contents coverage; it is not automatic
Debris removal after the water goes down
Increased cost of compliance, if rebuilding triggers current code requirements

Common Questions

Do I need flood insurance if I am not in a high-risk zone?

You are not required to, but plenty of Nassau County claims come from outside mapped high-risk zones. Coverage outside those zones is priced for the lower risk, so it is usually worth getting the number before deciding.

How long before a flood policy takes effect?

NFIP policies generally carry a 30-day waiting period, with limited exceptions such as a policy required in connection with a loan closing. Private flood carriers may have shorter waits. Either way, buying as a storm approaches does not work.

Is private flood better than NFIP?

Sometimes. Private carriers can offer higher limits than the federal program allows and often price competitively, but terms vary by carrier. We quote both against each other and explain the differences rather than defaulting to one.

Does flood insurance cover my basement?

Partially, and this surprises people. Flood policies limit what they pay for finished basements and for contents stored below grade. We will walk through exactly what is and is not covered before you buy.

Where We Write

We're an independent agency licensed across New York State. Most of our clients are within a few miles of the office: Franklin Square, Elmont, West Hempstead, Valley Stream, Garden City, Malverne, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Hempstead, Mineola, Uniondale, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Levittown and Hicksville, and the rest of Nassau County.