Hawaii DCCA Flood Insurance Guidance

Hawaii DCCA - News (includes DFI)

Published March 21st, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division has issued guidance to residents regarding flood insurance coverage as severe weather continues. The guidance clarifies that flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and encourages consideration of flood coverage for all residents, regardless of flood zone designation.

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What changed

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division has released guidance to residents on understanding flood insurance coverage amidst ongoing severe weather. The document clarifies that flood insurance is typically separate from homeowners insurance and is not always required unless a property is in a high-risk flood zone. It advises that standard policies cover structural damage and essential contents but may exclude items like landscaping and temporary housing costs. The guidance also directs individuals without flood insurance to federal disaster assistance or local relief resources if a disaster declaration is made.

For residents experiencing flood damage, the DCCA recommends immediate contact with their insurance company or agent, documenting all damage with photos or videos, and retaining damaged items until an adjuster has assessed them. They are advised to keep receipts for all related expenses and avoid permanent repairs until approved by the insurer. The DCCA has also provided a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video, and offers assistance via phone and their website for insurance-related concerns.

What to do next

Review flood insurance policies to understand coverage limits and exclusions.
Contact insurance company or agent immediately to report flood damage and obtain a claim number.
Document all damage with photos/videos and retain damaged items until assessed by an adjuster.

Source document (simplified)

Release: Understanding Flood Insurance Coverage as Stormy Weather Continues

March 21, 2026 at 1:28 pm

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

SCOTT K. SAIKI
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2026

HONOLULU — With more severe weather in the forecast, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division encourages residents to know what their policies cover so they can efficiently recover any losses after the storm passes.

Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and generally not required unless the property is in a designated high-risk flood zone. As we saw with the last storm, however, flooding can occur outside of these areas, which is why all homeowners and renters are strongly encouraged to consider flood coverage.

A standard flood insurance policy normally helps cover physical damage caused by rising water, such as damage to the structure of the home (including foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing systems) and certain essential contents like appliances and personal belongings. However, coverage is subject to policy limits and exclusions, so items like landscaping, temporary housing costs and some high-value personal property may be limited or not covered.

For those who have experienced flood damage but do not carry flood insurance, individuals may look to federal disaster assistance programs, if a disaster declaration is made, or explore available local relief resources. More information on flood insurance is available at https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

If you do carry flood insurance and need to report damage to your home or vehicle, contact your insurance company or agent right away. Ask for your claim number and confirm any deadlines for filing or submitting documentation. You will need to take clear photos or videos of any damage and if safe, keep damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them. Avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer has approved them and keep receipts for all expenses including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals and other related costs.

To help residents navigate the claims process, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has developed a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and instructional video on how to file an insurance claim. Consumers may also contact the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins for additional claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division regulates the Hawaiʻi insurance industry, issues licenses; examines the fiscal condition of Hawaiʻi-based companies; reviews rate and policy filings and investigates insurance-related complaints.

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 808-586-7582