Flood Insurance for Vermont Homes and Businesses

Why flood insurance matters in Northern Vermont

Flood is different from a burst pipe

A flood is rising water affecting at least two acres or two or more properties. Standard homeowners, renters, and condo policies do not cover this peril. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and private markets, and recent high water in many counties has reminded Vermonters why preparation matters. Hull Insurance Agency can help you understand your risk even if you are not on a riverbank.

How flood insurance works today

NFIP policies and private options

Most properties in participating communities can buy an NFIP policy, typically with a 30-day waiting period unless tied to certain loan or map changes. Private carriers may offer alternatives with different limits or terms. We will compare both and explain how FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 now prices to each property's specific risk rather than broad zone averages.

Building and contents coverage

Structure coverage protects the home or commercial building, while contents coverage insures your belongings or business inventory. Deductibles apply separately to building and contents. NFIP forms limit certain items in basements, so we will tailor limits to where you store things and discuss mitigation to reduce loss potential.

Vermont mortgage and map basics

When lenders require flood insurance

If your building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. Outside of high-risk zones, coverage is still available and often more affordable, especially across Franklin, Orleans, and Lamoille Counties. Many claims nationwide occur outside mapped high-risk areas, so we encourage a quote even if you are in a moderate or low-risk zone.

 Local questions we handle every spring and fall

Missisquoi River concerns in Enosburg Falls

We'll review elevation relative to the river, utilities in basements, and sump pump setups. Together we can select building and contents limits that reflect your property and discuss mitigation that can influence pricing under Risk Rating 2.0.

Lake Memphremagog and NEK camps

Seasonal camps near lakes and rivers benefit from clear photos, utility elevations, and fuel tank anchoring. We'll align coverage with seasonal use and contents on site.

Downtown businesses in St. Albans

A BOP or CPP does not cover flood. We can pair your commercial property form with separate flood coverage so inventory and equipment are protected when water rises.

Setting a smart strategy with Hull Insurance

Right limits, accurate data, fewer surprises

We start with address-level risk inputs, any available elevation information, and your prior loss history if applicable. Then we coordinate building and contents limits and discuss deductibles that balance premium and protection. For condos, we can place contents and improvements coverage to complement the master policy. For businesses, we will match coverage with your BOP or CPP to avoid gaps.

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Answers for Vermont homeowners, renters, and businesses

  • Is there a waiting period

    NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period unless the policy is purchased in connection with certain loan or map changes. Private flood options may differ. Plan ahead of spring snowmelt and fall storm seasons.

  • What if I am not in a mapped flood zone

    Over a quarter of claims nationally come from outside high-risk zones. Pricing is often lower in moderate and low-risk areas, which makes peace of mind affordable. We quote both NFIP and private markets to show your options.

  • Does my homeowners or condo policy cover flood

    No. Those policies exclude flood. You need a separate flood policy for building and contents. We will coordinate all policies so coverage aligns.

  • How are Vermont premiums calculated now

    Under Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA considers distance to water, first floor height, foundation type, and other property-specific factors rather than just a zone. That helps align price with true risk. We will walk you through the rating inputs used for your address. 

  • Can businesses buy flood insurance

    Yes. Both NFIP and private carriers write commercial flood policies that work alongside your GL and property coverage. Hull Insurance Agency will help you select limits for buildings, contents, and business income where available.

Ready to price flood insurance

Local guidance from a team that knows Northern Vermont

From Enosburg Falls along the Missisquoi to Newport and the Northeast Kingdom, Hull Insurance Agency is here to help you prepare before the water rises. Call, email, or stop in on Pearl Street to get a quote and clear next steps.