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Briana Ray Agency
Flood insurance for Long Island homeowners
Flood Insurance

On Long Island, flood risk isn't a 'maybe.' It's a 'when.'

Long Island flood coverage — built for the south shore

Bohemia sits in Suffolk County, where the south shore is some of the most flood-vulnerable terrain in the Northeast. Sandy changed everything — FEMA re-mapped large portions of Long Island after the storm, and homes that were never considered at-risk suddenly were. Roughly 220,000 Long Islanders — about 15% of the population — now live in an area FEMA classifies as a flood zone in a worst-case hurricane scenario.

If you live anywhere from Sayville to Patchogue, Bay Shore to Blue Point, or along the Connetquot River corridor, this isn't theoretical. It's the reason we make sure every client has the conversation, even if they decide flood coverage isn't right for them today.

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Flood-covered home

What every Long Island homeowner should know

Your homeowners policy does not cover flood — flood damage requires a separate policy through the NFIP or a private flood carrier. There's a 30-day waiting period, so you can't buy a policy when the storm is in the forecast; the time to act is before hurricane season, not during it. You don't have to be in a high-risk zone to flood — FEMA notes homeowners in low- and moderate-risk areas are five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire over the next 30 years. Standard NFIP policies cap building coverage at $250,000 and contents at $100,000. If your home is worth more, a private flood policy or excess flood coverage can fill the gap. We'll pull your property's FEMA flood zone, walk you through what it means in plain language, and help you decide whether NFIP, a private flood policy, or a combination makes the most sense for your home.

  • NFIP Policies
  • Private Flood Policies
  • Excess Flood Coverage
  • Dwelling & Foundation
  • Personal Contents
  • Debris Removal
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a flood zone?
Often yes. FEMA notes more than 20% of flood claims come from homes outside high-risk flood zones. On Long Island, heavy rain, storm surge up the Connetquot, and overwhelmed storm drains regularly affect 'low-risk' areas. If your home can be reached by water, it can flood. We'll pull your specific FEMA flood zone and walk you through the actual risk.
How long before my flood insurance takes effect?
Standard NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts. This is why flood insurance has to be bought before a storm is named — you cannot wait for the forecast. Some private flood policies have shorter waiting periods.
What does flood insurance actually cover?
An NFIP policy covers the physical structure of your home (up to $250,000) and its contents (up to $100,000) from rising water. It does NOT cover temporary living expenses after a flood, landscaping, or vehicles (those are covered by comprehensive auto). Private flood policies can cover higher limits and additional living expenses.
What should I do if my home floods?
Get to safety first — never walk or drive through floodwater (six inches can knock you down, two feet can move a car). Document everything before you clean up: photos and video of every room, every damaged item, every waterline. The carrier's mobile app or online portal lets you start your claim and upload photos from your phone the moment it's safe. Save receipts for temporary repairs, lodging, or replacement essentials. Then call us — flood claims have their own process, and we'll guide you through every step.
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Local agents who live on Long Island and know your flood zone

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