Homeowners insurance does not cover floods! Again, your homeowners policy will not cover you in the event that you suffer a loss from rising water. Even a few inches of water can cause serious damage – resulting in thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs.
A flood insurance policy provides protection for destruction and financial devastation caused by floods. Although it may not seem as necessary as homeowners insurance, you want to have additional coverage to keep your home safe and your possessions secure with flood insurance. Flood policies offer protection against losses that result from heavy and lengthy rain falls, storm surges, blocked storm drainage systems, snow melts, etc.
Different types of policies are available based on your property’s location and flood history:
Standard Flood Insurance Policies
If you live in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), your building and its contents can be covered by a standard flood insurance policy. The NFIP was established by the Federal Government to help communities who “voluntarily participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.” To be considered a flood, the waters must cover at least two acres or affect at least two properties. You must apply for building coverage and contents coverage separately if you choose to invest in standard flood insurance. Florida has major risk areas for flooding, you have to be prepared if you reside in one of these areas. JDA Insurance can help you determine if you should be protected with a flood insurance policy.
Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policies
If your home or business is in a low or moderate risk zone, your building may qualify for a low-cost preferred risk policy. While you aren’t required to purchase flood insurance in low-to-moderate risk areas, a preferred risk policy will protect your home and its contents if you are affected by a small flood or a larger flood that has extended into your low-risk area. In truth, many flood insurance claims occur in low-to-moderate risk areas.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact JDA Insurance and one of our experts will let you know your Flood Zone Determination (at no charge) and what programs are available to you.