The Importance of Flood Insurance

Published in All Insurance Industry Insights on Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Flood Insurance For Your Home -- Why You Need It Now

Just a single inch of water from flooding can cause costly damage to your home. Here’s what you need to know about insuring against damages caused by flooding.

What Protection Does It Offer?

A standard homeowners policy does not cover damages from flooding. A separate flood policy is needed to cover losses to your property caused by flooding, which provides coverage for things such as:

• Structural damage
• Furnace, water heater and central air-conditioning
• Flood debris clean up
• Electrical and plumbing systems

Cost of Coverage

As a homeowner, you can insure your home for up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. For this $250,000/$100,000 building and contents coverage, yearly premiums average $405 in low- to moderate-risk areas. If your home is located in a high-risk area, talk to the professionals at PDCM Insurance to determine your premium.

While it is up to the property owner to decide if they want to cover the building, if you are a renter, you can cover your belongings up to $100,000.

Stay Protected

Flood insurance means you’ll be reimbursed for all of your covered losses. As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you’re eligible to purchase flood insurance.

In general, a policy does not take effect until 30 days after you purchase flood insurance. However, if your lender requires flood insurance in connection with the making, increasing, extending or renewing of your loan, there is no waiting period.

For more information on flood insurance, including premium costs, levels of coverage and the flood risk for your area, visit Floodsmart.gov or contact PDCM Insurance.