Should I Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance?

Sep 2, 2022

This Newsletter Brought to You by Alloy Insurance

Residents of the Florida Panhandle were left reeling on Sunday after Hurricane Ian inflicted heavy flooding and damage. Ian was downgraded to a Tropical Storm on Sunday morning but continued to bring heavy rains and wind gusts of up to 50 mph to the area. Quite a few residents died in flooding related to the storm.

In Escambia County, emergency crews responded to more than 100 high-water rescues, most involving stranded motorists. The county’s public safety director, Tony Green, said the area had not seen flooding this bad since Hurricane Ivan in 2004
“It’s widespread. It’s not just one area. It’s all over the county,” Green said.

Despite the storm’s downgrade to a Tropical Storm, officials were warning residents not to let their guard down. “Just because it’s a Tropical Storm doesn’t mean it’s not a serious storm,” Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said.

Even if your State is not affected by hurricanes, flood insurance is still worthy of your consideration. There’s no doubt that flood insurance can be a valuable asset for homeowners. After all, flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States.
But is flood insurance right for you? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Check your flood risk.
Not all homeowners need flood insurance. In fact your chances of experiencing a flood are pretty low if you live in a low or moderate risk area. To find out your risk level visit https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance and input your address.

The type of coverage you need will depend on your risk of flooding and the value of your home. Basic flood coverage usually includes damage to your home and belongings, but you can also purchase additional coverage for things like temporary living expenses and repairs.

3. Assess your budget
Flood insurance can be expensive, but it’s worth comparing rates from different insurers to find the best deal. Keep in mind that you may be eligible for discounts if your home is in a low-risk area or if you have a federal flood policy.

4. Review your policy
It’s important to read over your flood insurance policy carefully to make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not. For example, most policies don’t cover damage caused by flooding that results from a hurricane or other natural disaster.

5. Make a Plan
Flooding can be a devastating event, so it’s important to have a plan in case it happens. Make sure you have contact information for your insurance company, as well as for a reliable handyman or contractor who can help with repairs.

We would like to thank you for your continuing business, and please feel free to contact us so we can answer any of your insurance related questions.

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