How to buy insurance cover from the lashing monsoons, floods

Kolkata: Unpredictable weather patterns are coming to dictate our lives as the monsoons of 2025 seem to add to a growing list of evidence. Many parts of India has traditionally suffered from floods but the erratic and unpredictable patterns of rains are becoming more and more scary. As the heavens open up in many states this year, let's have a look at any possible insurance shields to minimize financial damage due to excessive rains and resultant flooding.

The rains are casing both damage to and destruction of property and loss of lives. It is not happening in rural areas only but also in urban settlements. In such a changing climate, flood insurance is one of the financial tools that one has to keep in his/her consideration. According to GSI, (Geological Survey of India), as much as 12.5% area of India comes under what is labelled as "major flood-prone areas". Some states such as Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are regularly flooded.

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Apart from damage to roads and crops, floods can damage one's house and belongings. Flood insurance comes as a part of comprehensive home insurance and if you have it, "most repair expenses will get reimbursed" says HDFC ERGO. Therefore, buying a comprehensive home insurance plan can be a way out. Since flood insurance is a part of home insurance, one can claim compensation for repairs to the house if it is a victim of flooding or major water logging. Such insurance cover is available even if seawater enters cities in times of high tides.

A major insurance company states that the following items are usually covered in such an insurance policy:

Floor damage due to water entering the house/flat

Damage due to electrical short circuit triggered by a short circuit caused by water leakage

Damage to furniture (if the insurance policy includes personal belongings)

Structural damage to walls and even the paint

Water leakage from the roof through cracks and joints as well as structural damage (stagnant water on the roof can weaken it)

However, damage due to wilful negligence of the owners/occupants are not covered. Also willful destruction, non-disclosure of faults, damage to items not covered by the policy will not be provided. Removal of debris will not be paid for. Also the claim has to be done quickly and not after a long period of time. Also none can expect a policy that has lapsed to pay any compensation, whatever the damage.

One can easily have a look at the different flood insurance covers available in the market and compare them online before selecting a policy.