Englewood isn’t the first place people think of for floods, but the city has a real flood history. In June 1965, the South Platte River flood swept through Englewood and Denver, destroying homes, bridges, and businesses along the river. Today the bigger everyday risk comes from intense summer thunderstorms that drop an inch or more of rain in under an hour and overwhelm storm drains and small creeks.

Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flood

Standard homeowners and renters policies exclude flood. That includes overflowing creeks and rivers, flash floods, mudflow, and surface water that rises into your home or basement. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.

Flood Risk Doesn’t Stop at the Map Line

Nationally, more than 20% of NFIP flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. In the Englewood area, flooding can come from:

  • Little Dry Creek, which runs through Englewood and has been the focus of local flood control projects
  • The South Platte River along the city’s west side
  • Street and storm drain flooding during summer thunderstorms and fast spring snowmelt
  • Finished basements, where even a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage

Check Your Flood Zone

You can look up your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center or the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Colorado Hazard Mapping site. Zone X means moderate or low risk, not no risk.

What It Costs

Flood insurance for homes outside high-risk zones is often more affordable than people expect. NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, so buy well before the spring and summer storm season. Private flood policies can add coverage NFIP doesn’t, such as more protection for basement contents. Learn more about flood insurance or request a flood quote.

Have questions about your coverage? Call Johnson Insurance Agency at 303-768-8130 or stop by our office at 14 Inverness Dr. E, Suite G236, in Englewood. We compare coverage from multiple carriers for families and businesses across the Denver metro area and Colorado.

Sources

Specialty auto insurance in ColoradoUninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Colorado
Flood Insurance in ColoradoWind and Hail Deductibles in Englewood: How They Work and What to Ask

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