What you should know about flood insurance

You’ve probably heard this horror story before — someone loses a home due to a flood and learns after the fact that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

At Saunders Insurance Agency, we want you to be educated about all of the risks you may face – before a loss occurs – so you can determine what insurance coverage is appropriate. Spring is a prime season for flooding, so now is a good time to review your options.

Because very few companies offer flood insurance, the U.S. government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. Available to homeowners, renters and business owners, this insurance often is required to obtain a mortgage in areas at high risk of flooding.

But you might want to look into a policy just for peace of mind, even if you don’t live in Gallipolis’ high-risk areas. According to the NFIP, nearly 25% of the program’s claims occur in moderate- to low-risk areas. Nearly 70% more properties in the U.S. are at substantial risk of flooding compared to government estimates, First Street Foundation’s new peer-reviewed First National Flood Risk Assessment shows. You can evaluate your property’s flood risk data through Flood Factor (https://floodfactor.com) a free online tool created by the nonprofit First Street Foundation.  Flood Factor allows you to find your property’s risk of flooding and understand how flood risks are changing with the environment. Check out the questions and answers below to help determine if flood insurance is right for you.

Is flood insurance available in my area?

To participate in the NFIP, a community must adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance with rules regarding construction in certain flood-prone areas. In exchange, the government makes flood insurance available within that community. We’re happy to help you find out if you’re eligible for flood insurance. Just give us a call at 740-446-0404. You can also visit http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm

Private Flood Insurance Programs, such as Hiscox FloodPlus, are also available with higher coverage limits than the NFIP program.  Hiscox FloodPlus Program offers up to $2.5M for commercial building, contents, and income, $1.25M for residential dwellings, $875K residential contents, and $250K for additional living expenses.  Saunders Insurance Agency offers Hiscox FloodPlus Program through Auto-Owners Insurance partnership.

What does it cover?

The NFIP provides coverage for both the structure and its contents. Coverage for contents is optional in some NFIP cases and available for private program policies. You may want to give SIA a call to discuss whether the Hiscox FloodPlus program coverage for your personal property.

Keep in mind that you typically can’t purchase flood insurance and have it take effect the next day. There is usually a 30-day waiting period for NFIP and 7-day waiting period for Hiscox FloodPlus. Exceptions to this rule apply, however, particularly when the insurance is required by a lender and is purchased during the process of securing a mortgage. If you need flood insurance, don’t wait to buy a policy!

What doesn’t it cover?

Generally, government-issued flood insurance will not cover the following: Buildings entirely over water or principally below ground, gas and liquid storage tanks, animals, aircraft, wharves, piers, bulkheads, growing crops, shrubbery, land, roads, machinery or equipment in the open and most motor vehicles.

How much does it cost?

As with all insurance policies, the cost of flood insurance varies depending on your situation. If your home or business is in a high-risk area, such as a “special flood hazard area,” your premium naturally will be higher than those in low- or moderate-risk zones. Premiums are based on how old the building is, how many floors it has, the location of its contents, your deductible and more. Renters insurance is typically less expensive, as renters generally insure their belongings and not the building.

Where can I find more information?

As always, we are happy to help you determine your insurance needs. Visit SIA online at www.SaundersIns.com or give us a call at 1-800-689-5103. The NFIP website, at http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, has plenty of answers as well.