DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE...
PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE TODAY!
 

Hurricane season is once again upon us.  As seen by the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, flood waters can swiftly destroy an entire house, an entire neighborhood, and an entire city.  Most people do not realize until it's too late that flood is not a covered peril in your Homeowners or Farmowners policy. 

For most people, flood coverage is relatively inexpensive.  You can buy protection for your dwelling, household contents, business property, and condos.  Even renters can purchase coverage for their personal belongings.  If you live on the coast or in a high-risk area, flood coverage is still available to you but it will cost a little more.  Don't wait to purchase a flood policy until the weatherman predicts a hurricane or flooding in your area - it's too late!  A flood policy will take 30 days to go into effect - unless you are purchasing a new home and the coverage is a requirement of the mortgage loan.

Please remember that not all flood damage comes as a result of hurricanes.  Flooding happens in all 50 states!  Nearly a quarter of floods every year happen in low or moderate risk areas.  Flooding can result from a river near your home overflowing or rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source such as water accompanied by a severe storm and flash floods.

The flood policy will cover damage to the building itself including the foundation and support systems.  A flood policy will not cover fences, swimming pools, walkways, driveways or other items around the outside of the home.  Special limits of coverage apply to a flood policy.  Dwellings can receive up to $250,000 in coverage, contents up to $100,000 and non-residential buildings up to $500,000.  Contents coverage for your personal items located inside a building is covered on an actual cash value basis (replacement cost minus depreciation).  However, some items like art, jewelry, furs and business personal property is limited to $2,500.  If more coverage is needed, there are other types of policies to protect against loss, including flood.

Even if your property has flooded before, you are still eligible to buy flood insurance coverage.  As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, coverage is available to you.  To find out what your options are for flood protection, give us a call today.  One of our customer service representatives will be glad to assist you.