Flood insurance is essential for protecting your home, but what about the items stored in your garage? This aspect of flood coverage can be more complex. Homeowners in West Chester, PA, need to consider the type and location of their garage, as well as the specific items stored inside, to understand their coverage.

Understanding Garage Coverage

Flood insurance may cover belongings stored in your garage if your policy includes contents coverage. Contents insurance typically protects items like freezers, portable appliances, and furniture. On the other hand, building flood insurance covers installed equipment, such as fuel storage tanks or furnaces.

Coverage can vary depending on whether the garage is attached or detached. For example, some flood policies only cover detached garages if they are used to store vehicles and a limited number of items. Additionally, contents stored in below-grade or basement garages are often excluded from coverage due to their higher vulnerability to flooding.

Common Coverage Exceptions

Flood insurance generally does not cover automobiles or other motorized vehicles. For these items, comprehensive car insurance is required to protect against flood damage. Additionally, items with a total value below the deductible amount will not be covered. Keep in mind that flood policies often have separate deductibles for contents and buildings.

If a renter is storing items in the garage, they will need their own separate flood insurance policy. Coverage details can vary significantly depending on the insurer and the specific policy. It’s important to review your policy carefully and consult your agent to clarify what is covered. You may need additional coverage, especially for detached garages.

Griffith Insurance LLP has over three decades of experience serving the West Chester, PA, area. You can rely on us to help you find the right flood insurance coverage for your garage. To learn more or request a quote, call 610-431-9900 to speak with the friendly staff at Griffith Insurance LLP.