Florida being the peninsula that it is offers an abundance of beaches, lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout the state. While many people love living with access to water sports, fishing, and boating, unfortunately, all of that water combined with tropical storms, hurricanes, storm surges, higher than average rainfall, or other unpredictable weather could result in flooding damages to your home, business or property.
Did you know that a standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover floods? A flood in your home could be catastrophic. According to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage. That one inch of water could damage your flooring, carpeting, drywall, insulation, furniture, and appliances. Plus, all of that water can turn into mold which requires serious clean up and could affect your air quality.
Flood insurance is a policy separate from your homeowner’s policy. A flood insurance policy generally covers damage to the structure of your home as well as your personal belongings. This would include things such as the foundation of your home, walls, plumbing, electrical systems, air conditioning systems, the carpet/flooring, and cabinets. Your personal belongings that would be covered include items such as clothing, electronics, furniture, and curtains. A flood insurance policy will help pay for damages and replacement costs so you avoid too much out of pocket costs in the event of a flood. We encourage people considering a flood insurance policy to talk with us for more specifics on what exactly is covered and what is not.
Flood insurance does not cover the loss of your vehicle, your outdoor property such as fences and patios, or living expenses that you may incur while your home is being repaired. It also does not include water damage that can occur due to a burst pipe or sewer backup.
Florida does not require flood zone insurance for all properties. However, if you have a mortgage on your home and you live in a high-risk flood zone, you may be required to have a flood insurance policy. Flood risk zones are determined by FEMA and fall into different categories: high-risk, moderate risk, and lower risk. To determine if your home is in a high-risk flood zone, please visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-zones-and-maps/what-is-my-flood-risk
Don’t wait for a storm predicted to hit your area to buy flood insurance. Most policies take up to a month after purchase before coverage goes into effect. A flood insurance policy is affordable. The premium will vary based on your location, property value, and coverage amount. The peace of mind that a flood insurance policy provides you is worth the investment. After all, do you have an extra $25,000 lying around to repair damages? (and that’s from just an inch of water, imagine the cost if your whole house is damaged).
Brockman Insurance Group represents clients across the state of Florida. No matter where you are located in the state, we can help you. We have many clients with homeowners and auto insurance in Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando, and Sanford. We can write insurance for those living in the Panhandle of Florida to those in Tallahassee and all the way down to the Florida Keys.
Start the conversation today about flood insurance so you are informed. Give our office a call at 407-644-9991. It’s better to know now if flood insurance is right for you compared to trying to find coverage as a named storm is headed your way!
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