When it comes to protecting your house, you probably have coverage for the home’s structure and contents. Many homeowners believe that this gives them full financial protection in the event of any disaster. But it’s also important to consider a few questions. Do I need flood insurance? And how does flood insurance work?
At Lake Region Insurance Agency, we know the damage flooding can cause here in Greater Minnesota. If you feel unsure about your coverage, reach out to one of our agents today. With offices in New London, Willmar, and Cokato, MN, we are here to serve you.
How Does Flood Insurance Work?
As the name suggests, flood insurance is a specialized form of coverage that kicks in if a flood damages your home. This type of policy is for flooding due to natural causes. Some examples of events that might trigger a claim include:
- Heavy Rain
- Rapid Snowmelt
- Levee Failure
- Storm Surge
Flooding from burst pipes or a malfunctioning washing machine falls under a homeowners policy. That’s a whole different event.
Only a small minority of homeowners have flood insurance, even in high-risk areas. This lack of coverage can result in a significant eye-opener if disaster strikes.
But I Already Have Homeowners Insurance. Isn’t That Enough?
Too often, people believe they have coverage for flood damage under their homeowners insurance. But this is not the case. Flood insurance, like earthquake coverage, is a separate policy that you purchase. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this until it is too late.
In some situations, buying flood insurance may be a requirement to secure a mortgage. This necessity is especially true if you are in a high-risk area.
For commercial properties, the same concerns apply. Your business insurance policy likely doesn’t protect you against flood damage and loss.
How Do I Decide If I Should Buy Flood Insurance?
You may assume that you do not need flood insurance, especially if you have never experienced a disaster. Many people think if they don’t live in a high-risk area, they don’t need to worry about it.
However, flood maps tend to change over time. These alterations happen according to shifts in local infrastructure, weather patterns, or nearby building work.
For example, the construction of a new neighborhood on a local floodplain could mean there is no longer an escape for excess water. As a result, your property may have inadvertently slipped into the high-risk category without you realizing it.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains the Flood Map Service Center to help determine risk. They update the data annually, and you can check it to see how your home fares. Mortgage companies use this information to decide whether or not to require flood insurance on a property.
Even if the data place your home in a low-risk category, that doesn’t mean flooding can’t happen. And home could be at risk.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The NFIP is a program that FEMA manages, and it is available only in communities that choose to participate. There are two types of coverage: structural property and personal property.
A policy for the building itself is ‘replacement cost value’ coverage. That is, it pays for your home’s repair and replacement costs, up to the limits of the policy. To purchase coverage through NFIP, you must also have full homeowners coverage.
Replacement cost value protection typically covers:
- The foundation of your home and the physical structure
- Built-in kitchen appliances such as stoves and refrigerators
- Electrical and plumbing
- Furnaces and air conditioners
- Heaters
- Flooring
- Wallboard and paneling
- Window blinds
- Permanent bookcases and cabinets
- Detached garages
- Removal of debris
Personal property or contents coverage addresses the items in the home. This option generally covers:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Curtains
- Portable kitchen appliances
- Washer and dryer
- Freezers and any food in them
- Up to $2500 in valuables, including artwork and jewelry
As with any insurance policy, some exceptions apply under NFIP coverage. These include:
- Basements or any areas of your home below ground level
- Any damage caused by mold, mildew, or moisture not caused by floodwater
- Stock certificates, cash, or bearer bonds
- Precious metals
- Loss of income
- Trees, plants, or shrubs outside the home
- Swimming pools or hot tubs
- Walkways
- Decks and patios
- Septic systems
- Temporary housing
- Cars
NFIP coverage is simple to obtain through an insurance agent. Typically it takes 30 days from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Premiums vary significantly depending on where the property sits.
Private Flood Insurance
There are a limited number of private insurers who can offer flood insurance, as well. These options are outside the federal government. This coverage can have several benefits for homeowners, including:
- Higher Levels of Coverage – Private flood insurance tends to offer higher levels of coverage than NFIP does. This option may be important for those with high-end homes and belongings.
- Lower Premiums – As data has become more sophisticated, private insurers have been able to offer competitive rates. For some homeowners, these premiums may be less than those offered by NFIP.
- Shorter Wait Times – You typically have to wait 30 days for NFIP policies to go into effect. Private coverage can start in less than a week.
- Extra Perks – Unlike with NFIP, you may be able to claim short-term housing costs. And your policy may cover items that NFIP excludes.
There are some negatives associated with private insurance. It may not be available in very high-risk areas. Also, banks may not accept a private policy when you take out a mortgage with them.
Lake Region Is Here to Help
Insurance decisions can feel confusing and overwhelming. The lingo and terminology aren’t very user-friendly at times.
That’s why the experts at Lake Region Insurance Agency are here to serve you. We definitely can answer the question, “How does flood insurance work?”
We have years of experience working with a range of insurance policies. Our independent agents have access to coverage from many different companies, so we are sure to find just what you need.
Don’t spend another minute worrying about protecting your home, car, business, or health. Reach out to Lake Region today for a free insurance review.