Floods can happen at any time and without warning. They cause structural damage to houses, vehicles—even buildings. The cost of repairing or replacing essential property could be prohibitive for many homeowners. That is why taking out flood insurance before your home suffers significant water damage due to an unfortunate event is important.
What is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is a type of insurance that protects your building and its contents in the event of a flood caused by severe rain, storm surges, clogged storm drainage systems, or levee dam collapse. While not every homeowner needs flood insurance, it could be a sensible investment no matter where you reside. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that more than a quarter of homeowners who have filed a flood damage claim do not even live in a flood zone.
What is the Importance of Good Flood Coverage?
Flood insurance offers a range of options. Private flood insurance:
Has rates of coverage higher than $250,000/$100,000 limits.
Offers enhanced protection, especially for structures like garages and unattached buildings.
May offer replacement value and loss of use coverages.
Premiums may be less than for NFIP.
Shorter wait times for the policy to be in effect.
May cover loss of business income.
While private flood insurance can offer many options, each homeowner's situation must be carefully reviewed to review flood insurance carriers, homeowner location, property, and other factors to select the right coverage.
Do you need flood insurance?
If you live in a flood zone, you will require flood insurance. However, flooding can occur in inland places away from large rivers. If your home could be flooded by melting snow, an overflowing creek or pond, or water running down a steep hill, consider purchasing flood insurance.
Flood insurance is offered to both renters and homeowners, but it is not included in typical homeowner policy, as is earthquake insurance. Flood insurance is instead supplied independently by the federal government and dozens of private insurers.
If you need flood insurance, don't wait until the evening news broadcasts a flood warning before purchasing coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program plan includes a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
Already have Flood Insurance? Switching is easy
It might be time to switch insurers whenever the service that your existing insurer provides doesn’t meet your needs. For example, if you have a poor claims experience or an unexplained rate increase, it might be time to consider other options
If you cancel a previous policy before a new policy is effective, you could run into some serious financial problems.
Contact us today to help you with multiple options to choose from.
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