As people become increasingly worried over climate change fears and the rise of extreme weather conditions all over the world it’s important to consider flood insurance for your Florida property.
No one wants to lose all of their belongings in a sudden flood, so to avoid any unexpected charges you should prepare in advance. The best way to be prepared for flood damage is with a flood insurance policy. Please note, flood damage is not covered in a standard homeowners policy.
Put your mind at ease and take notes from this flood insurance guide so you can be prepared in case the unthinkable happens.
What Causes Floods and Why You Need to Care
Floods normally occur near areas that experience heavy rainfall or are situated close to large riverbanks. That being said, 1 in 4 floods occur in Flood Zone X which is considered the most “preferred” zone. From 2014 to 2018, all 50 states experienced losses due to floods or flash floods.
If you live in places like Gulf County or Okaloosa County, then you should consider buying flood insurance. As the majority of regions in the USA can be affected by flash floods you never know when you might need extra security.
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
According to federal regulations, if your property is located in a high-risk area, then you should have flood insurance. Depending on whether or not you have a mortgage for your property, they might have flood insurance requirements as well.
Flood insurance protects you financially if your property is damaged by weather conditions that lead to loss of electricity, power shortages, and flooding in your home.
With the National Flood Insurance Program, the maximum flood insurance coverage is $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents of the home. With private markets, you are able to get much more coverage, some companies offering upwards of $4 million.
Risk Factors for Flooding
If you are unsure whether you need flood insurance, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your home near a body of water?
- Do you know your elevation? Is it at the bottom end of a hill or mountain?
- Do people in your surrounding area have flood insurance?
- Has there been flooding in the past in your area?
- If you’ve researched climate change statistics, is your hometown predicted to be high-risk for future flooding?
When it comes to investing in this type of insurance, these questions will ensure that you aren’t wasting money unnecessarily. Just bear in mind that flood insurance typically has waiting periods (unless initiated in conjunction with a loan) and might require up to 30 days before the policy will be active.
Getting insured as soon as possible will prepare you for any possible sudden floods and make sure your home will be covered by flood damage.
What is Not Included in Flood Insurance
If this is your first time researching flood insurance, then you might not be aware of the details included in the protection coverage. Here are some aspects of insurance that are not part of flood insurance packages:
- Moisture or mildew damage created by the homeowner’s neglect
- The cost of currency, precious metals, and stock certificates
- Outdoor furniture and hot tubs, pools, etc.
- Living costs for temporary housing (this coverage is easy to add)
- The replacement cost of cars and other automobiles (auto insurance)
It’s good to clarify the details of the policy before you make a final choice on flood insurance options, so you can discuss with a Florida licensed Agent about these points during a call.
Where to Get Flood Insurance
Luckily, licensed insurance agencies like Harris Insurance offer some of the most competitive flood insurance deals on the market.
It can feel daunting when you look up insurance information online, so having a reliable Agency to ask questions and offer affordable prices is a top priority for any consumer.
Having good customer service and helpful employees to talk to will be a lifesaver and save you hours of valuable time. Picking the right insurance should be quick and easy so you should be cautious about where you go.
No one wants to spend their precious time sorting through hundreds of insurance companies. We’ve all got other things to do in a day, right?
Once you’ve decided on a flood insurance policy you won’t need to think about it again. So start the process now and learn your options for protecting your property against flooding.
Here’s How to Protect Your Home from Floods
Of course, there are always things you can do as a property owner to protect your home and buildings from damage.
First, you can try stockpiling waterproof bags to protect your belongings and personal possessions from excess water. Ideally, you want to buy a range of these bags to cover furniture as well as smaller items.
Use Height
Another useful tip for preparing for potential floods is placing expensive and valuable objects higher up in rooms. For instance, you can put special items on top of wardrobes and other cabinets.
Alternatively, you can also use large wood blocks and spare bricks as an extra height barrier.
Water Sensors
You can even look into water sensors to install on your property for caution. These devices will let you know if water is rising and leaking into your building.
That way, you will know exactly when to act and call an emergency number.
Flood insurance will help you feel safe in the event of a flash flood in the future. If you get your insurance sorted, you can focus on living your best life without worrying.
Be Prepared and Get Insured Today
No matter if you are insuring your car, health, or taking out flood insurance you are making the right decision. Protecting your belongings and livelihood is essential for a happy, comfortable life.
You don’t want to deal with the dreaded moment when your house is submerged by a flood, and you have no insurance.
Thankfully, you can fix this. Harris Insurance is here to help and give you more information regarding your flood insurance needs. Take five minutes out of your day and get in touch to find out more.
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.
