{"id":322767,"date":"2026-11-07T00:12:08","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T00:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/322767\/"},"modified":"2026-11-07T00:12:08","modified_gmt":"2026-11-07T00:12:08","slug":"pennsylvania-home-sellers-must-show-past-flood-damage-and-insurance-claims-starting-in-july-2028","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/322767\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania home sellers must show past flood damage and insurance claims starting in July 2028"},"content":{"rendered":"

For buyers weighing a Pennsylvania home’s potential costs, a new law will make more flood-related information available before purchase \u2014 sellers will be required to disclose past flood damage and other details about flooding, according to Beinsure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

July 2028 is the scheduled start date for the expanded disclosure requirements.<\/p>\n

Here’s what to know<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1704, broadening the flood information sellers must provide in residential transactions.<\/p>\n

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 100-year and 500-year flood-zone classifications are part of the required disclosures, and sellers must disclose whether either applies to the property.<\/p>\n

Buyers may need to factor flood insurance into their budgets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sellers will be required to report whether coverage is required and whether the property has carried it before, along with any past flood damage.<\/p>\n

Any government aid received following flood damage must also be disclosed to buyers, as well as any past flood insurance claims.<\/p>\n

More background<\/p>\n

Flood damage can leave homeowners facing costly repairs, but ordinary homeowners policies typically do not cover flood losses.<\/p>\n

The legislation codifies a recommendation in the task force’s 2024 final report on flood insurance premium assistance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Democratic state Rep. Perry Warren of Bucks County sponsored it.<\/p>\n

Education and outreach were among the report’s four priorities, alongside incentives, risk mitigation, and making coverage affordable.<\/p>\n

The task force urged increased participation in flood insurance, recommending better consumer education and expanded access to coverage.<\/p>\n

What’s being done?<\/p>\n

The new law points consumers toward the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website to learn about flood-zone designations, insurance options, and ways to reduce a property’s flood risk, Beinsure noted.<\/p>\n

A property does not need a high-risk classification to be at risk of flooding, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys cautioned.<\/p>\n

To make information easier to access, PID has refreshed its flood insurance resources and linked to an interactive tool for residents and homebuyers to evaluate the flood risk they face.<\/p>\n

Since 2024, PID’s flood insurance ombudsman has worked to expand access to flood insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania established the position within the department, with responsibilities that also include coordinating education and outreach with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n

According to state figures cited by Beinsure, roughly 1 in 100 households in Pennsylvania currently carries flood insurance.<\/p>\n

Where can I learn more?<\/p>\n

Flood coverage and flood-zone rules matter for homeowners outside Pennsylvania, too. These stories cover insurance gaps and flood policies in Florida, New Jersey, California, and Texas.<\/p>\n

\u2022 In Florida, most homeowners policies still don’t cover flooding<\/a>, as hurricane season peaks.<\/p>\n

\u2022 New Jersey environmental groups say Gov. Mikey Sherrill’s flood rule delay<\/a> leaves residents exposed to flooding.<\/p>\n

\u2022 A Kern County broker urged homeowners to check their flood coverage<\/a> before El Ni\u00f1o hits California.<\/p>\n

\u2022 In Wichita Falls, Texas, a new LiDAR study<\/a> could remove homes from FEMA’s floodplain rules.<\/p>\n

Get TCD’s free newsletters<\/a> for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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