Why Scottsdale Homeowners Need Extra Protection for Floods and Earthquakes

Here’s a surprise for many Scottsdale homeowners: Standard home insurance doesn’t cover floods or earthquakes. Yep — even though both can (and do) happen here in Arizona, your base policy probably excludes them completely.

In this post: We’ll break down why you might need extra coverage in Scottsdale, what kind of damage is excluded from typical homeowners insurance, and how to add protection that actually works when you need it.

Real story: After the 2021 monsoon season, one homeowner in North Scottsdale called their insurer about interior damage from floodwater that seeped through the patio doors. The answer? Denied. The water came from outside, not a broken pipe — so it wasn’t covered. That single misunderstanding cost over $15,000 in repairs.

1. Standard Policies Don’t Cover “Acts of Nature” Water or Ground Movement

Most Scottsdale homeowners have an HO-3 policy, which excludes damage from external flooding or ground shifting. That means if water enters your home from heavy rain, flash floods, or runoff — or if an earthquake cracks your foundation — you’re on your own financially.

Covered: Burst pipes, roof leaks from storms, fire damage.
Not covered: Flash floods, rising water, or earth movement of any kind.

2. Why Floods Happen in Scottsdale

Even in the desert, floods are a real risk. Our soil can’t absorb rain fast enough during monsoon storms, leading to fast-moving runoff that pools around foundations and enters homes through low doors or vents. Areas near washes or desert foothills are especially vulnerable.

• Flash floods can form within minutes during monsoon storms.
• Heavy rain + dry soil = instant runoff and pooling.
• Most flood claims here come from “minor” one-hour storms.

3. Earthquake Risk Is Low — But Not Zero

While Scottsdale isn’t known for big quakes, Arizona does experience seismic activity, especially from faults near Prescott and Flagstaff. Even small tremors can crack tile roofs, damage stucco, or shift slab foundations. Standard insurance won’t pay for any of that without an earthquake endorsement.

4. How to Get Flood Coverage in Scottsdale

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. You don’t have to live in a flood zone to qualify — and in fact, rates are often lowest for low-risk areas.

• NFIP coverage limits: up to $250,000 for structure, $100,000 for contents
• 30-day waiting period before coverage starts
• Average premium in Scottsdale: $400–$800 per year (varies by elevation)

5. How to Get Earthquake Insurance

Earthquake coverage is typically added as a separate endorsement to your policy or purchased through specialty carriers. The cost is relatively low in Arizona, ranging from $150–$300 per year depending on your home’s construction type and location.

6. Why Your Roof Still Matters

Floods and tremors don’t just affect your foundation — they can expose weaknesses in your roof too. Cracked underlayment, poor drainage, or unsealed vents can all worsen water intrusion during heavy storms. Maintaining your roof can significantly reduce flood-related damage, even without full flood insurance.

7. How to Protect Your Home Now

• Check your home’s flood risk zone at FEMA.gov.
• Inspect your roof, gutters, and drainage yearly — especially before monsoon season.
• Seal low vents and foundation gaps.
• Consider adding both flood and earthquake endorsements to your policy.

8. Bonus Tip: Roof Certification Can Help With Coverage

Some insurance providers require proof your roof is sound before adding extra coverage. A roof certification from a licensed Scottsdale roofer (like us) can speed up approval and may qualify you for discounts.

Final Thoughts

Bottom line: Even though Scottsdale isn’t coastal or near major fault lines, floods and minor quakes do happen — and standard insurance won’t cover the damage. A small investment in extra protection today can prevent financial disaster later.

Need help checking your roof’s flood readiness? Schedule a quick inspection or get an Instant Quote from Sky Shield Roofing Company. We’ll make sure your roof and drainage systems are ready for monsoon season. You can also learn more from our Scottsdale Roofing FAQs.