The coast gets the headlines: storm surge on Cape Cod, flooding along the North Shore and South Shore, Boston Harbor at high tide during a nor’easter. But some of the worst flood losses in the state happen inland, along the Merrimack, Charles, and Connecticut rivers, and in low lying neighborhoods where heavy rain overwhelms drainage.

Flood losses happen well outside the mapped high risk zones too. If your lender does not require flood insurance, that does not mean you do not need it.

A flood policy generally covers two things:

Building coverage. The structure itself: foundation, walls, floors, electrical and plumbing systems, furnaces, water heaters, and built in appliances.

Contents coverage. Your belongings: furniture, clothing, electronics, and portable appliances. Note that coverage for belongings kept below ground level, like in a basement, is limited. Ask us what that means for your home.

What it does not cover. Damage from moisture or mold that could have been prevented, currency and precious metals, and living expenses while your home is being repaired. The last one applies under the federal program; private options can differ.

You have two ways to buy flood insurance in Massachusetts.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the federal program. Coverage is standardized, new policies come with a 30 day waiting period, and the coverage limits have not kept up with Massachusetts home values.

Private flood insurance, like the instant quote product we offer through Neptune Flood, is underwritten by private insurers. It typically offers higher coverage limits, shorter waiting periods, and broader options than the federal program. For many Massachusetts homeowners, private flood costs less and covers more.