The FEMA 50% Rule—also called the Substantial Damage Rule—requires that if flood repairs or improvements equal half of your home’s market value, the entire property must be brought into compliance with today’s floodplain regulations. Learn how it’s calculated, what counts toward the threshold, and how homeowners can protect themselves from costly surprises.

Don’t get blindsided by insurance fine print. Discover the 7 essential features your homeowners insurance policy should include—like appraisal rights, water damage coverage, and screened enclosure protection. Learn how to secure the coverage you need before disaster strikes.