Think your home is safe from floods just because you’re not near a river? Think again.
Flooding is the most common—and costly—natural disaster in the United States. And here in Colorado, homeowners face unique risks that often go overlooked. At Valley Restoration & Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating flood damage can be. That’s why we’re here to help you understand whether flood insurance is right for you—and why it might be one of the most important decisions you make for your home.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Colorado?
Let’s clear this up right away: Colorado does not have a state law requiring flood insurance for homeowners. However, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
If you have a federally backed mortgage and your property is located in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone—like zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, or A99—federal law requires you to carry flood insurance. Even if you’re not in a high-risk zone, your lender still has the right to require it.
Bottom line? Just because it’s not required by the state doesn’t mean you don’t need it. In fact, most flood damage occurs outside of designated high-risk areas, and most homeowners in those areas aren’t insured.
What Causes Flooding in Colorado?
Flooding in Colorado doesn’t always look like the hurricanes and overflowing rivers you see on the news. Here on the Western Slope, we deal with unique flood threats that can catch homeowners off guard:
- Flash Floods from sudden, intense storms
- Rapid snowmelt in the spring
- Poor drainage systems in urban neighborhoods
- Post-wildfire floods in burn scar areas
- Plumbing or appliance failures that quickly soak basements and floors
No matter the cause, the result is the same: thousands of dollars in damage, ruined property, and a long road to recovery—unless you’re prepared.
What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Here’s a hard truth: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
If a storm, burst pipe, or blocked drainage system sends water into your home, your policy may not help you recover the cost of repairs. That’s why flood insurance is a separate policy, often provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
Without it, you’re likely on the hook for everything—cleanup, structural repairs, replacing personal belongings, and even mold remediation.
Why Flood Insurance Matters
Flood insurance isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your financial lifeline when disaster strikes. Without it, you’re left to absorb the full cost of repairs, replacements, and cleanup. With it, you can recover faster, reduce stress, and get back to life as usual.
Here’s how flood insurance helps protect what matters most:
Financial Protection That Saves You Thousands
The average cost of a flood claim in the U.S. is over $30,000, just for a few inches of water. Flood insurance helps cover:
- Structural damage to walls, flooring, and the foundation
- HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical systems
- Major appliances, like washers, dryers, and refrigerators
- Personal belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, and more
Without insurance, these expenses come out of your pocket. With coverage, you’re not left making impossible choices between rebuilding or replacing what you lost.
A Faster, Smoother Claims Process
When you already have a flood insurance policy in place, you avoid delays, red tape, and dependency on FEMA disaster declarations. You don’t have to prove financial hardship or wait weeks for an approval. You can start cleaning up right away and focus on moving forward.
Peace of Mind When the Weather Turns Ugly
You can’t control Colorado’s weather—sudden snowmelt, flash flooding, and summer downpours are unpredictable. But you can control how prepared you are. Flood insurance gives you peace of mind that no matter what happens, you won’t be left picking up the pieces alone.
A Smarter Investment in Home Protection
Think of flood insurance as part of your home’s defense system. Just like a good roof protects you from storms, a solid insurance policy protects you from the after.
And if the worst does happen, Valley Restoration is ready 24/7 to handle the cleanup, mitigation, and restoration, so your policy and our team work together to get you back on your feet faster.
‘I Don’t Need Flood Insurance…’ or Do You?
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “I’m not in a flood zone, so I’m safe.” | Over 20% of flood insurance claims come from properties in low- or moderate-risk areas. |
| “Federal aid will cover everything.” | Federal assistance is only available if a disaster is declared—and it’s often a loan you’ll have to repay. |
| “Flood insurance is too expensive.” | Policies are often more affordable than you think, especially in lower-risk zones. |
| “I can wait until a storm is coming to buy coverage.” | Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. |
| “My homeowners insurance will cover it.” | Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy. |
Valley Restoration Is Here When You Need Us
Even with insurance in place, your response to flooding makes all the difference. That’s where we come in.
Valley Restoration & Construction provides 24/7 flood response, water damage mitigation, and full-service restoration. Our certified technicians are trained to move quickly, minimize damage, and restore your home or business to pre-loss condition.
We’re your neighbors and are here when you need us, day or night.