What New Mexico homeowners should know about rain and flood insurance
Most homeowners’ policies cover certain rain-related damage but exclude flooding, including water and debris flows near wildfire burn scars
Heavy rainfall across New Mexico is raising concerns about flooding and property damage, particularly in areas near wildfire burn scars.
The New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance said most standard homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is typically purchased separately through a policy backed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is available even for properties outside designated flood zones.
Rain-related roof damage may be covered under a homeowner’s policy. Before filing a claim, residents should contact their insurance agent to confirm coverage and compare their deductible with the estimated cost of repairs.
Under New Mexico law, insurers cannot hold a claim against a policyholder if the policy does not provide coverage for the damage, according to OSI.
Melissa Robertson, OSI’s property and casualty bureau chief, said flooding is not limited to water entering a home. It can include moving surface water or water rising from the ground.
“Homeowners can file claims for their roof,” Robertson said. “However, if their home is sitting below a burn scar, they need to realize that the water flow, the debris flow is not something that is covered.”
Robertson said the state’s insurance superintendent is working on legislation that could provide coverage for flooding or debris flows resulting from a wildfire.
Homeowners should also take safe, immediate steps to prevent additional damage, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp.
