Water Damage Help in Bristol, RI
Water damage in Bristol, RI has a long recorded history: the 1938 hurricane flooded Thames Street and the harbor to about 14.6 feet, and Hurricane Bob hit Bristol County hard in 1991. Many homes predate 1940. RI Water Damage Help is a free referral line; calls to (401) 466-0446 reach an independent local company.
Last updated October 15, 2026
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How high has the water risen in Bristol?
FEMA’s flood study records 1938 flood elevations from 13.2 feet at Bristol Point to 14.6 feet at Bristol Harbor. The worst damage was around Thames Street and the head of the harbor, where homes and industrial buildings were inundated, docks destroyed and roads washed out.
Source: FEMA Flood Insurance Study, Bristol CountyThe 1938 surge damaged the foundations of nearly every building on the west side of Thames Street. A plaque on a Hope Street house marks the flood level, and a marker on Thames Street recalls the flooding.
Source: Roger Williams University · Source: Waymarking · Source: Historical Marker DatabaseRI DEM says Bob’s worst coastal flooding was in Bristol County and Little Compton.
Source: RI DEMHow old are Bristol homes?
Bristol’s median home was built in 1964, according to Census estimates, and about 28% of homes predate 1940. About a third of occupied homes are rented, so tenants and landlords both deal with leaks.
Data: Census ACS 2020-24
What do official sources say about insurance and flooding in Bristol?
- Triple-I says Rhode Island insurers may use a hurricane deductible of up to 5% of a home’s insured value, and windstorm deductibles may not be used. (Triple-I, hurricane deductibles)
- Triple-I notes renters can buy flood coverage separately, since standard renters and homeowners policies exclude flood. (Triple-I)
- FloodSmart says new NFIP policies usually start 30 days after purchase. (FloodSmart, National Flood Insurance Program)
Related services
Additional guides: burst pipe cleanup, mold inspection and removal, sewage backup cleanup, cost drivers, insurance basics, ice dam roof leaks.
To see how Bristol compares with the rest of the state, check the Rhode Island flood and water damage risk by town guide.
Water damage in Bristol, RI: common questions
How high did the 1938 hurricane flood Bristol?
FEMA’s flood study records about 14.6 feet at Bristol Harbor, with the worst damage around Thames Street and the head of the harbor.
Does renters insurance cover flooding?
Triple-I says flood damage is excluded under standard renters and homeowners policies, and that separate flood coverage is available to both homeowners and renters.
What is Rhode Island’s hurricane deductible limit?
According to Triple-I, Rhode Island insurers may apply a hurricane deductible of no more than 5% of a home’s insured value.
Other East Bay towns we cover
All Rhode Island towns we serve · RI Water Damage Help home
Behind this page
Written and maintained by RI Water Damage Help, an independent referral service with no crews of its own. Each historical claim on this page has a linked source. Write to help@riwaterdamage.com with corrections.
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Water damage in Bristol?
A call to (401) 466-0446 is free and is connected with an independent local company.
Call (401) 466-0446Not urgent? Write to help@riwaterdamage.com