In today’s article we’ll discuss when flood insurance is mandatory. Find out if your house in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, or Maryland is covered.
Additional Reading: Learn more about home insurance types
Flood Map Service Center
To determine whether your home or property is in a high-risk flood zone, type your address into FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. This service will provide you with an official flood map for your area.
Homeowner’s and Renter’s insurance typically does not cover flooding.
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program can cover your home and belongings if they are damaged from flooding and rising water, which is not typically included in standard home or renter’s insurance policies.
There are events other than natural disasters that can cause flooding.
Other events like groundwater seepage and water main breaks that can cause flood damage to your home are also covered by a flood insurance policy.
FAQ’s for Flood Insurance
How do I know if I need flood insurance?
If your home is in a high-risk area your mortgage lender may require you to have flood insurance. Even If you are not in a high-risk area, flooding can happen anywhere, in any part of the country. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of having flood insurance and whether you are comfortable risking your home and belongings by not being covered by a flood insurance policy.
What does flood insurance cover?
You can purchase flood insurance that protects both the structure of your home and your personal belongings or buy a policy that just covers the structure or just your personal belongings.
The structure protection policy will cover up to $250,000 of damage to things such as your home’s foundation, plumbing system, electrical system, built in cabinets, and detached garages.
The personal belongings protection policy will cover up to $100,000 in damage to items such as clothing, electronics, furniture, and refrigerators.
What is not covered by flood insurance?
It is important to know what will not be covered by a flood insurance policy. Items typically not covered are items damaged by mold or mildew, cars, and personal property in the basement of the house.
How much does flood insurance cost?
The average cost of flood insurance is around $700 per year, but rates will depend on the state you live in, the location of your home, and how your home or building was built.
How do I get flood insurance for my house?
Remember, it will likely take 30 days from the day for your flood insurance policy to go into effect, so it is important to get covered now before an unexpected flood happens. For information on getting flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program for your home, contact an agent at Malhotra & Assoc. We can help you find the best insurance policy rates for you and your property’s individual needs.
Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for general informational purposes only and may not reflect your specific policy.
