Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, but you can purchase flood insurance as a separate policy from your agent. The number one disaster in the U.S., floods can happen anywhere at any time. Are you covered?
This spring, Florida’s Panhandle residents experienced record rainfall and severe flood damage. Homes and businesses were flooded in Pensacola and surrounding areas, and roadways temporarily closed throughout Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. Jackson, Okaloosa, and Walton counties were also impacted.
Everyone is at risk, no matter how near or far you live from the coast. What are your chances of experiencing a flood? Floods are caused by storms, hurricanes, water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, as well as broken water mains. Check out these animated scenarios that demonstrate how various factors may impact different neighborhoods.
FLOOD STATS…
- There is a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase for a flood policy to go into effect — don’t wait until it’s too late!
- Only 31% of Floridians have flood insurance.
- Most flood policies cost less than $1 a day.
- Just 2 inches of water in a 2,000 square foot home … can cause $20,000+ damage. Calculate your potential cost of flooding at FloodSmart.gov.
Sources: FEMA, NFIP
FLOOD LAW…
The “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act” was signed into law in March 2014. This legislation repeals and modifies some sections of the 2012 law, “Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act” (BW-12). As legislators continue to work out the fine points of the newest laws governing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), here’s the bottom line: You need to be covered for flood damage. To purchase a flood policy for your home or business, contact your insurance agent today!