When most people think of floods, they imagine hurricanes or coastal towns—but flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, and the Lehigh Valley is no exception. From the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers to smaller creeks like Jordan and Monocacy, our region is full of waterways that can quickly turn from scenic to dangerous with just one storm.
So, what should Lehigh Valley homeowners know about flood insurance? Let’s break it down.
April Showers Bring… Flood Claims
The old saying “April showers bring May flowers” is especially true in the Lehigh Valley—but it also brings something far less pleasant: an uptick in localized flooding.
In recent years, intense spring rainstorms have overwhelmed storm drains in areas like South Bethlehem and East Allentown, causing basement flooding, water-damaged vehicles, and costly repairs. Even just a few inches of standing water can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.
This makes early spring the ideal time to review your flood risk and insurance coverage—before the worst of the rainy season hits.
- Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Floods
One of the most important things to understand is that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If water enters your home from rising water levels or heavy rain that accumulates too quickly, you need a separate flood insurance policy to be protected.
Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurers, often through independent agencies like ours.
- Flood Risk Is Widespread in the Lehigh Valley
Many Lehigh Valley homeowners don’t realize they live in or near a floodplain. Even if you’re not in a designated high-risk zone, you could still be at risk. In fact, according to FloodSmart.gov, over 20% of flood claims come from outside of high-risk areas.Areas that frequently experience flooding locally include:
- Downtown Easton
- South Allentown neighborhoods
- Whitehall & Catasauqua near the Lehigh River
- Properties near Jordan Creek or Bushkill Creek
Not sure about your home? Check your flood zone using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Most flood insurance policies through the NFIP have a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. That means if you wait until a major storm is forecast, it’ll be too late.Spring and summer storms can hit the Valley hard—now is the time to review your risk.
- What Flood Insurance Covers
A typical NFIP policy provides coverage for:- Up to $250,000 for your home’s structure
- Up to $100,000 for personal belongings (furniture, appliances, clothing)
Private flood insurance may offer higher limits, lower deductibles, and coverage for additional living expenses—something the NFIP doesn’t include.
- Do You Need It? Here’s How to Decide
- Your lender requires it: If your home is in a high-risk zone (Zone A or AE), your mortgage company will usually require flood insurance.
- You’ve seen flooding nearby: Even if your home hasn’t flooded, nearby street or basement flooding is a warning sign.
- You want peace of mind: As our weather patterns shift, flash flooding is becoming more common in the Valley.
How We Can Help
At YMI Agency, we work with both national flood programs and private flood insurance carriers to make sure Lehigh Valley homeowners get the right coverage for their needs and budget.
We’ll help you:
- Understand your flood zone and risk
- Compare NFIP and private options
- Get the coverage you need before the next storm hits
Ready to Get Protected?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a flood insurance quote customized for your Lehigh Valley home—and gain peace of mind before the next storm season hits.
