For insurance purposes in Las Vegas, water damage (from internal sources like burst pipes, appliance failures, and roof leaks from storms) is covered by standard homeowner's insurance. Flood damage (from external sources like flash floods, rising water, and storm runoff) is explicitly excluded from standard homeowner's policies and requires separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance. Las Vegas experiences significant flash flooding during monsoon season (July–September). M&M Restoration Services ((702) 475-7575) handles both water damage and flood cleanup in Las Vegas and has an in-house Public Adjuster to help determine coverage and maximize insurance claims.
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage Insurance in Las Vegas — What's the Difference?
February 26, 2025·6 min read·VegasRebuild Editorial
Quick Answer: Water damage (from internal sources like burst pipes) is covered by standard homeowner's insurance. Flood damage (from external water sources like flash floods) requires separate flood insurance — standard homeowner's policies explicitly exclude it. In Las Vegas, this distinction is especially important during monsoon season.
This is one of the most important insurance distinctions a Las Vegas homeowner needs to understand — and one that catches thousands of homeowners by surprise every year. Water damage and flood damage sound similar, but for insurance purposes they are completely different coverage categories with very different policies.
Water Damage — Covered by Standard Homeowner's Insurance
For insurance purposes, 'water damage' refers to water that originates from within the home and enters suddenly and accidentally:
- •Burst pipes — the most common claim in Las Vegas
- •Water supply line failures
- •Appliance overflows (washing machine, dishwasher)
- •Water heater failures
- •Roof leaks caused by covered events (storm damage, fallen objects)
- •AC drain line overflow
- •Internal plumbing failures
Flood Damage — NOT Covered by Standard Homeowner's Insurance
For insurance purposes, 'flood damage' refers to water that enters a home from outside sources:
- •Flash flooding from heavy rain — common in Las Vegas during monsoon season
- •Rising water from rivers, lakes, or storm drains
- •Mudslides associated with flooding
- •Storm surge
- •Overflow from bodies of water
- •Surface water flooding into a home
How to Get Flood Coverage in Las Vegas
If you want flood coverage in Las Vegas, you need a separate flood insurance policy:
- •National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — federal flood insurance through FEMA, available through your insurer
- •Private flood insurance — sometimes more comprehensive than NFIP
- •Important: there is a 30-day waiting period for new NFIP policies — don't wait until monsoon season
- •Las Vegas monsoon season runs July–September — the highest flood risk period
- •Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov to understand your risk level
Need Immediate Help? Call M&M Restoration
Las Vegas's #1 rated restoration company. In-house public adjuster. 60-minute response. 24/7 emergency.
GC License B0093581 · Public Adjuster License 4067945 · IICRC #70207886
Why This Matters After a Las Vegas Flooding Event
After a flooding event, the source of the water determines which insurance covers it — and this can mean the difference between a covered claim and a total loss.
- •Water that entered through a damaged roof (covered): homeowner's insurance
- •Water that rose from outside and entered through doors (not covered): flood insurance
- •Water from a burst pipe that also caused flooding in the garage: homeowner's insurance (internal source)
- •Flash flood water that entered through window wells: flood insurance required
- •Sewer backup from a flooded municipal system: may require separate sewer backup rider
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Las Vegas experiences flash flooding, particularly during monsoon season (July–September). The desert terrain and urban development create significant runoff that can cause flooding even from modest rainfall.