Insurance Blog

While sunshine continues to fill the Autumn skies, believe it or not, now is the time to consider purchasing Flood Insurance if you live in or near a flood plain.

Standard Homeowners and Business Insurance policies do not cover losses caused by flooding. However, everyone at risk for flooding should investigate Flood Insurance made available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Waiting for flood waters to rise before getting Flood Insurance could be a risky proposition because there is a 30-day waiting period for new Flood Insurance policies. This means any flood damage to your home during the 30-day waiting period will not be covered.

NFIP studies show that people living in flood plains are 27 times more likely to experience a flood during their 30-year mortgage than they are to experience a fire. If you’re in an at-risk area, it makes sense to investigate your options.”

Residents living in or around flood plains are encouraged to review their Homeowners and Flood Insurance policies now before flooding take place.

King County Flood Warning offers free Flood Alerts to King County residents to help them stay abreast of flood warnings for local rivers. Residents can subscribe for Flood Alerts by visiting King County’s website.

NW Insurance Council, NFIP and the Institute for Business and Home Safety offer these tips as you consider purchasing Flood Insurance to protect your home during the long rainy season:

• Be disaster ready. Learn what disasters you’re at risk of experiencing in your region and how to prepare your family and protect your home and belongings.
• Find out if you are located in a floodplain and if your community participates in the NFIP. Contact your city or county government. Start with the Building or Planning Department and ask to see the Flood Insurance Rate Maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine your Base Flood Elevation.
• In low-to-moderate flood risk areas, coverage is available for as little as $100 per year. The average premium in high-risk areas is about $400 per year.
• If you are at risk for flooding, buy as much flood coverage as you can. Primary residences insured for at least 80 percent of their value, or for the maximum amounts allowed, get replacement cost coverage.
• There is normally a 30-day waiting period from the time a policy is purchased until you are covered.
• Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness plans and create a family plan ahead of time before a flood threatens.
• Develop an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food you don’t have to refrigerate or cook. The kit should also contain first aid supplies, a weather radio, batteries, clothing, blankets, medicine, copies of your insurance policies and some basic tools.