Is Flood Insurance Right for Me?
How to Decide if Flood Insurance Makes Sense for You
Do you need flood insurance?
If you own property that could be damaged or destroyed by water, then you should seriously consider buying flood insurance.
Is A Flood Loss, Likely?
The chances of your business, home, or personal property being damaged by a flood depend primarily upon where you live. It also depends on other factors, such as:
- how much of a flood warning you receive
- the level of flood precautions you take (such as moving personal property from lower levels to higher levels), and
- the precautions that are taken by your community (such as the use of flood controls in construction standards, storm sewer planning, or sandbagging threatened areas).
Floods are related to weather conditions and tend to affect wide geographical areas. This makes flood losses more likely than a loss from fire or windstorm. Many people have been misinformed to believe that flood insurance is only needed if you live in a flood-prone area.
You Live in a Flood Zone
If you hear the term “flood zone,” you may think that it refers to locations that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Wherever you live in the USA, you live in a flood zone. While your area may have a lower chance of flooding than a coastal area or a location situated near a body of water, your area could still experience flooding. Think in terms of the backed-up storm sewers you may have seen in your community with the rainy spring we’ve had this year. Our area experienced several deluges or flooding due to heavy rain this year.
Why Worry When Disaster Coverage Is Available?
Are you thinking that, after a flood, your loss may be handled by the government declaring a disaster area? If so, you’re still taking a couple of large risks. First, your flooded locale may not be deemed a disaster area. Second, being designated as a disaster area is not a bargain. Disaster area status only gives citizens access to government disaster loans. If you qualify for assistance, you have replaced insurance protection with an obligation to pay off a large, long-term loan. Is it worthwhile to gamble on an opportunity to pick up more debt? You’ll find flood insurance to be a less expensive and much more valuable alternative.
Don’t Be “All Wet.”
You don’t have to leave yourself unprotected. Your Hertvik Insurance Group professional can help you with detailed information on the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also ask for help in getting the coverage you need in the face of a flood.