Each year, more properties within flood plains are destroyed by flooding than by fire. Changing weather patterns, increased urban development, and the leveling of forests have reduced the land’s natural ability to absorb water. As flooding becomes a common occurrence, property owners need to face the facts: Everyone lives in a flood plain. Flood damage can happen anytime, no matter where you live.
A Homeowner’s Policy Doesn’t Cover Flooding
Property owners know a Homeowner’s policy covers fire damage, but most don’t realize that it won’t cover flood or mudslide damage. Rising waters and debris can destroy your home, business, and personal belongings within minutes. If you don’t have the coverage, you have nowhere to turn for help.
Did you know…
• Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
• Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
• If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high risk area, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance.
• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
Federal Assistance Is Difficult to Obtain | Most floods don't qualify for federal disaster aid. Only floods that are declared national disasters by the President qualify for federal assistance. This assistance is in the form of a grant averaging less than $2,500, or a federal loan that must be paid back with interest. That loan is in addition to payments on your existing mortgage loan. |
Flood Damage Is a Growing Problem | As more flooding occurs throughout the country, the cost of rebuilding is skyrocketing. Floods now cause more than $2 billion in property damage each year. That's your tax money being used to help thousands of flood victims across the country. There is an answer -- Flood insurance. |
Flood Insurance Puts You in Control | Only Flood insurance protects your home and your belongings from rising water or mudflow. Flood insurance is available for the structure, minus the land value. Contents coverage is also available, but is optional and must be requested. Even if you've had previous flooding, you can still buy Flood insurance. If you've received disaster assistance before, you must first obtain Flood insurance to be eligible for future federal relief. Mortgaged properties within Special Flood Hazard Areas are required to maintain Flood insurance for the life of the loan. |
Flood Insurance Costs Less Than Flood Damage | The average Flood policy is only $324 a year -- that's less than $1 a day. Compare that to a typical disaster loan of $50,000, costing more than $300 a month for over 18 years! Flood insurance pays all covered claims even if a federal disaster is not declared. Claims are paid quickly so victims can recover faster. You can even get a partial payment right away to get started. Flood coverage is available up to $250,000 for your home, and up to $100,000 for the contents. |
Flood Insurance Is Easy to Buy | Anyone can buy flood insurance if his or her property is located in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Homes, condos, apartments, and business structures are all eligible. Even renters may purchase flood insurance for their possessions. Since Flood premiums are set by the US Government, your rate is the same from any insurer. Premiums are due on an annual basis. |
Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike
Over 90 percent of all US natural disasters include flooding. The best time to buy flood protection is now. Flood insurance claims are paid by policyholder premiums, not taxpayer dollars. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the cost of flood disasters. There is a 30-day waiting period on most new Flood policies, so contact us now for more details.