Do You Need Flood Insurance in Ohio? What Most Homeowners Don’t Know
Flooding can happen almost anywhere—not just in coastal states. In fact, many Ohio homeowners are surprised to learn their standard home insurance doesn't cover flood damage. With heavy rains and flash floods becoming more common, flood insurance is an increasingly important part of protecting your home and finances.
What Counts as a Flood?
According to FEMA, a flood is defined as “an excess of water on land that is normally dry.” This includes events like:
Heavy rainfall leading to street or basement flooding
Overflowing rivers, streams, or lakes
Flash floods from severe storms
Water runoff from nearby hills or higher elevations
It does not include:
A burst pipe
Water backup from a drain or sump pump
Roof leaks from rain
These are usually covered under your homeowners policy (or with specific endorsements), but flooding from outside sources is not.
Doesn’t My Homeowners Policy Cover That?
No. Standard homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude damage caused by flooding.
That means if a nearby creek overflows, or a heavy rain floods your basement, you could be left paying out of pocket for:
Drying and restoring your home
Replacing flooring, furniture, or appliances
Repairing your foundation or electrical systems
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
Flood insurance typically covers two main categories:
1. Building Property Coverage
This protects the structure of your home, including:
Foundation and support walls
Electrical and plumbing systems
HVAC equipment and water heaters
Built-in appliances and flooring
2. Personal Property Coverage
This covers contents like:
Furniture and electronics
Clothing and personal items
Portable appliances and tools
Some valuable possessions (with limits)
You can choose to buy one or both types of coverage depending on your needs.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Ohio?
It depends. If you live in a high-risk flood zone and have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will likely require flood insurance. These zones are determined by FEMA and updated regularly based on environmental data.
However, even if it’s not required, flooding can still happen in moderate- or low-risk areas—and it often does.
💡 According to FEMA, more than 25% of flood claims come from outside high-risk areas.
In short: just because it's not required doesn’t mean it’s not smart.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
Flood insurance costs vary based on:
Your home’s location and elevation
The age and structure of the home
The amount and type of coverage you choose
Whether you're in a high-risk flood zone
Premiums can range from a few hundred dollars a year to over $1,000—but that’s still far less than the cost to repair major water damage out of pocket.
Hixson & Malinowski can help you compare options through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private carriers to find the right fit.
What About Renters or Condo Owners?
You can purchase flood insurance for contents only, which is a great option for renters or condo owners. Condo associations may cover the building itself, but your personal belongings are still your responsibility.
Should I Get Flood Insurance If I Live in Parma?
Parma and the greater Cleveland area have experienced:
Heavy seasonal rains
Snowmelt-related runoff
Occasional flash flooding
Even if you’re not near a major river or lake, excess rainfall can overwhelm sewers and drainage systems, sending water into basements and ground floors. Many local homeowners who thought they were “safe” have faced costly repairs without insurance coverage.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
We’re more than just your local insurance agency—we’re your neighbor. Based in Parma, we understand the risks Ohio homeowners face and how to protect against them. At Hixson & Malinowski, we can:
Check your flood risk and zone classification
Explain your current policy’s limits
Help you add flood insurance that fits your home and budget
Compare coverage from NFIP and private markets
We’re here to help you plan ahead, not just react to disaster.
Flooding isn’t just a coastal concern. If you live in Ohio, especially in Northeast Ohio, your home may be more vulnerable than you think. Flood insurance provides an extra layer of protection that standard home insurance simply doesn’t. Let Hixson & Malinowski Insurance help you evaluate your risk and get covered before the next storm hits.
