{"id":20,"date":"2026-10-30T13:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T19:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swensoninsurance.com\/blog\/?p=20"},"modified":"2026-10-29T13:12:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T19:12:37","slug":"when-a-flood-washes-out-the-road-but-not-the-house-coverage-gaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swensoninsurance.com\/blog\/when-a-flood-washes-out-the-road-but-not-the-house-coverage-gaps\/","title":{"rendered":"When a Flood Washes Out the Road but Not the House: Coverage Gaps"},"content":{"rendered":"

After recent floods in Vermont, some of the hardest stories didn’t involve flooded homes at all. Roads, culverts, and driveways washed out, leaving families with dry houses but no way in or out for days or weeks. Insurance doesn’t always respond the way people expect.<\/p>\n

Your Washout Coverage Questions, Answered<\/h2>\n

If I can’t reach my home, will my homeowners policy pay for a hotel?<\/h3>\n

Usually not. Loss of use coverage on a homeowners policy generally applies when your home becomes unlivable because of a covered cause of loss. Some policies also respond when authorities restrict access because of covered damage nearby. Because flood is typically excluded, a flood-related washout often won’t trigger either one.<\/p>\n

Will flood insurance cover my driveway?<\/h3>\n

Generally not. Federal flood policies focus on the building and, if you buy it, your belongings. They typically don’t cover land, driveways, walkways, or most structures outside the home.<\/p>\n

What about a private bridge or culvert?<\/h3>\n

Private bridges, culverts, and roads are often excluded from flood policies, and homeowners coverage for other structures usually excludes flood and erosion damage.<\/p>\n

Who repairs a shared private road?<\/h3>\n

That usually depends on a road maintenance agreement or deed terms among the property owners. Public roads are typically the town’s or state’s responsibility.<\/p>\n

Planning Ahead for Rural Properties<\/h2>\n