Why You Can’t Buy Flood Insurance During Flood Season

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that you can’t purchase flood insurance at the last minute—especially during flood season. That’s because most flood insurance policies, including those from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), come with a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in.

This rule is designed to prevent people from only buying insurance when a storm is already on the way. Insurance is meant to protect against unexpected events—not immediate or known risks.

So, if flood season has already started or a major storm is forecasted in your area, it’s often too late to get coverage in time.

Why This Matters:

• Once a flood watch or warning is issued, insurers typically won’t issue new policies.

• Without flood insurance, you’re responsible for all damage out of pocket—and most homeowners policies don’t cover flooding.

• The average flood claim is over $30,000, even from just a few inches of water.

The best time to get flood insurance is before you need it. Don’t wait for the rain to start—prepare now, and protect your home and peace of mind.