Which requirement must be met for a loss to be classified as a flood?

For a loss to be classified as a flood, it is essential that the water results from the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. This definition is aligned with the standard criteria used by insurance companies and regulatory entities to determine what constitutes a flood. A flood usually occurs when water from bodies like rivers, lakes, or oceans exceeds their banks or capacity, thereby affecting areas that are not typically submerged under water.

This criterion helps distinguish floods from other types of water damage, such as plumbing leaks or roof leaks, as those do not involve the inundation of dry land. Understanding this definition is critical for both insurance purposes and risk assessment, as it outlines the specific circumstances that trigger flood coverage under most insurance policies.