Hurricane season is in full swing right now, and even though this season has been mild compared to the last few years, you should still be prepared for the worst. In fact, even if you do not live near the coast, you should still review your flood insurance policy. Floods occur in every state and one of the most important things you can to protect your assets is to buy flood insurance.

Is Flood Insurance Necessary?

Almost always, the answer is yes. If you live on top of a high hill, it might not be necessary, but otherwise you might want to consider it. Flood insurance is almost always separate from your normal home owner’s insurance, so the first thing to do is make sure you have a flood insurance policy. Don’t just assume your home owner’s policy will cover flood damage because often, homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods and storms.

Looking for better homeowner’s insurance rates? Check out this article for how to save on homeowner’s insurance.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Flood insurance covers losses to your property caused by flood waters. This includes structural and mechanical damage, flood debris cleanup, and floor surfaces such as tile, wood flooring, and carpeting. Your homeowners policy probably does not offer these same protections.

You can also purchase additional coverage to cover the value of your other belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, decorations, appliances, and other belongings.

How To Buy Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary source for flood insurance in the the US. The best place to buy flood insurance is from a licensed private insurance company or independent property and casualty insurance agent in your state. To find a company that participates in the NFIP, check out FEMA’s list of participating insurance companies.

30 Day Waiting Period for Flood Insurance

Normally, there is a 30 day waiting period from the time you purchase flood insurance until the time the insurance becomes effective. In locations where flood insurance is required for your mortgage or property loan, the flood policy takes effect immediately. It is important to buy your policy before the storm seasons because of the 30 day waiting period.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

Flood insurance can be very inexpensive, with many policies starting at less than $10 a month. Of course, the cost varies by location. Still, it is a worthwhile expense to protect your assets.

I can’t give you an exact number on how much that flood insurance is going to cost for your home. The insurance company is going to look at dozens of different factors when they are deciding how much that they are going to charge you for the additional protection.

When you’re looking for flood insurance, the company is going to look at the state that you live in, the value of your home, any near-by bodies of water, and much more. In the vast majority of cases, people are surprised to see just how affordable flood insurance can be. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow or what Mother nature is going to throw at you.

Even though you cannot predict the weather, you can protect your belongings from the damage the weather may cause.

Every year, there are thousands of people that experience serious financial loss because of floods. Floods can destroy everything that you own. All of your valuables and family memories. There is nothing that you can really do to replace all of those things, but flood insurance will help you get back to normal without having to pay to replace all of those things.

For more information about floods and flood insurance, check out FEMA’s Fast Facts About Flood Insurance.

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