When it rains, especially in our state, there is no way of knowing how bad things can get. Pair that with Hurricane season and the unpredictability of rain and flooding can get us a little nervous! Here is the basic idea: If it rains, it can flood. We know it is a basic rule but believe it or not, Flooding is the most common and most damaging natural disaster in the country.
In Florida, flood risk is higher due to the state’s frequency of tropical storms, named storms (hurricanes) and the fact that we have extremely proximity to water. 3 coasts to be exact! Despite this, most insurance policies do not cover flooding, which can bring a damper on your best protection practices with your property, vehicle, or business. The truth about flooding is that most everyone is in a flood zone.
First and foremost, why Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance can be a valuable investment that is available to everyone who needs it. Flood insurance can extend protection to homeowners, business owners, condo unit owners and renters. Depending on the risk of where you live or own a business, if you are directly on the coastline or a little bit further out, as well as the provider you choose when purchasing flood insurance, policies may vary in price.
Although the cost of another insurance policy could seem unnecessary on the wallet
, it could save you in the long run from flood damage if the storms start coming in fast. You’d be happy to recover faster and bounce back after a hurricane!
DID YOU KNOW: One inch of flood water can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
During heavy rain can come some Flood insurance claims. They can be filed anytime your property experiences damage due to flooding. The impact a flood can make due to the spreading of excess water can become a major headache to many homeowners. Flood insurance can cover both a property and its contents, and a claim can be filed in the event of losses directly caused by a flooding event. This can help big time if you had major loss such as unrecoverable water damage.
DID YOU KNOW: A flooding event is considered to be any flooding that affects two or more acres of land or two or more properties.
To find out the risk level of your property location, visit FloodSmart.gov/Flood-Map-Zone
The National Flood Insurance Program & Coverage
Although we can help you purchase flood insurance at any time, waiting until a hurricane or major storm to threaten or damage your property may not be wise. Many policies take upwards of 30 days after purchase to take effect. Which is why we try to get you a policy quick, and with a favorable premium!
Another point to consider is that The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. This, in addition to flood insurance can really make a difference when it comes to claims, loss recovery, and financial assistance.
We recommend looking into The National Flood Insurance Program as it is federally backed flood insurance made available to residents and business owners. Private providers may have higher limits or broader coverage if you do decide to go with this option!
We would like to help you fight against flooding! Regardless of which policy you select for your family, business or even a bundled policy plan, having a flood coverage policy is better than none! National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim. If your area does receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the average payout by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is only about $5,100 in Florida. With the National Flood Insurance Program, claim payments average around $29,000.
We are proud to direct you to our own Ask an Expert segment about Flood Insurance.
Have a question about flooding you’d like answered? Check out our FAQ page, scroll down to the in-site form and ask away! We can’t wait to answer your questions!
Call us at 850.244.2111 or email at service@harrisinsurance.com if you need additional insurance information
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
