Water damage and flood damage are similar in that they both involve unwanted water in a property, but they differ in their causes and how they are typically covered by insurance. Water damage typically refers to water that enters a property due to internal factors, such as burst pipes, leaky roofs, or malfunctioning appliances. This type of damage is generally covered by most homeowner's insurance policies. Flood damage, on the other hand, refers to water that enters a property due to external factors, such as heavy rain, storm surge, or rising bodies of water. This type of damage is typically not covered by standard homeowner's insurance policies and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is typically provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is a government program that provides coverage for flood damage. Homeowners can also purchase additional flood insurance through private insurance companies. It's important to note that there is typically a waiting period before flood insurance coverage takes effect, so it's important to purchase coverage before a flood event occurs.