Floods
can happen anytime or any where. Even in the same place twice. Floods
are the leading natural cause of property damage. Four times more homes
are destroyed by flood than by fire, causing over $2 billion in property
damage every year.
You don't have to live by water to be at risk. Approximately 30% of
all flood claims occur in low to moderate risk areas. Homeowner insurance
does not cover flood damage, but Federal Flood Insurance does. Flood
insurance also covers mudflow, dirt and debris resulting from moving
water.
Homeowners with mortgaged property in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
are now required by federal law to obtain flood insurance. Lenders must
comply by requiring flood insurance on the outstanding mortgage balance
for the life of the loan.
Fortunately, Flood Insurance is affordable, though, flood damage is
not. The average loss of property and contents from the 1993 Midwest
flood was more than $25,000. Compare this to the average annual flood
premium of about $300 per year.
Your coverage is based on your home's value, minus your land value.
Flood Insurance up to $250,000 is available for residential buildings
and also the option of up to $100,000 for contents. Since flood policies
are backed by the US government, all valid claims are 100% guaranteed.
There is a 30 day waiting period for flood insurance, so the best way
to protect your home is to act now, before the flood comes! Remember,
just because you experience a flood disaster, that doesn't mean you
have to experience financial ruin.
If you should have any questions regarding Flood Insurance, or we can
assist you with a quote, please feel free to contact our office.
Includes a wealth of information
on how to insure homes against flooding. This site is the
official web page for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.