FLOOD CLAIMS Costs

Flood insurance claims exceeded $550 million in 2006, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, and the average paid claim was nearly $26,000. Here are the program’s estimates for flood losses at increasing water levels, based on a hypothetical 900-square-foot ranch-style home:

1- to 4-inch flood

$7,800

Costs include cleanup and replacing flooring, drywall, baseboard molding and exterior wall insulation.

4- to 9-inch flood

$11,400

Besides the expenses above, costs include repainting walls and replacing some furniture and belongings, such as electronics.

9- to 13-inch flood

$18,900

Besides the expenses above, costs include replacing cabinets and major appliances.

13- to 16-inch flood

$22,200

Besides the expenses above, costs include repairs to the heating, cooling and electrical systems and the hot water tank.

16- to 18-inch flood

$26,200

Besides the expenses above, costs include replacing a TV and warped doors and repainting exterior walls.

Source: Floodsmart.gov and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources