Well, it’s official!
Spring has arrived. The leaves are starting to show on the trees. Flowers are starting to bloom. People are starting their March Madness brackets. We’re getting outside more.
And the rains have started.
In this region of the country, these initial rains are a reminder of how tied to the water we really are. Heavy spring rains, hurricane season, and the ever-present threat of flooding are all things pretty consistently on our minds. Maybe you worry about when the next flood will happen, or how it will impact your commute, or maybe if you’re prepared for flooding around your home.
At Help2Cover, we want to make sure you’re informed and prepared for things to come. That information and preparation could very well save you and your family from catastrophic loss. So, in that spirit, let’s talk about flood insurance to make sure you’re prepared.
Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?
A lot of people wonder if they really need flood insurance. That depends on a number of factors. Now, usually, your lender will require you to carry some form of flood insurance if you’re in a designated flood zone. But you may need flood insurance even if you’re not in those zones.
Consider this fact.
Did you know that one inch of water can create as much as $25,000 worth of damage to the home?
Whether or not your home is in a location considered a flood zone, flood insurance can often be a good idea. We like to think that flooding is a predictable thing linked to rainfall and other reliably predictable patterns, but it often isn’t. The flood of the Missouri River in 1993, for example, reached miles away from traditional flood zones.
More locally, Charleston’s 1000-year flood in 2015 was the result of a “perfect storm” of factors that led to flooding in many areas that had never flooded before. The damage from that event was severe in many cases. While FEMA helped with some of the costs associated with that event, ultimately it was only a small percentage of the overall total.
This was definitely a case where flood insurance could have helped a lot of people, and did in many cases. So, yes, the odds are you probably do need some type of flood insurance.
Aren’t I Already Covered?
One of the most common questions we encounter is this:
Aren’t I already covered with my homeowner’s insurance?
The answer is…probably not. Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies don’t cover flood damage from street flooding or overflow of various types. Oh, these policies often cover a great many events and potential disasters. They even cover some of the things you may need to be concerned about during a hurricane or severe storm such as roof damage.
But flooding is a blind spot in many homeowner’s policies. Keep in mind many of these policies are designed to serve as templates for homes in a wide area. That’s why you should always work with a trusted professional in developing the policy that bests fits your needs.
So, no you probably aren’t covered, but you should be.
Don’t worry. We can help you get covered.
So What Should I Do?
Uncertainty about your insurance status can be one of the most stressful things in the world. Having that uncertainty during this time of year can quickly find you worrying about every cloudy day. Will that be the day we get a record amount of rain? Will my home be okay? What would I do if there was flood damage?
Relax.
Yes, this can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re wondering whether you’re covered or not there is really only one good course of action. You need to contact a trusted insurance professional.
A trusted insurance professional will be able to review your coverage and tell you whether or not you have the flood insurance you need. There’s a decent chance that you do have what you need. In that event, an insurance professional will be able to confirm that for you and answer any questions you might have. If, on the other hand, you don’t have the coverage you need, they can help you get it and protect you, your home, and your family from flood damage.
I know we say this a lot, but you should never be afraid to reach out to your trusted insurance pro with your questions. The stakes are just too high for you to do nothing. And, honestly, we really don’t mind. Helping our friends and neighbors in the community is why so many of us got into this business.
So, if you have any doubts or questions, reach out to your trusted insurance pro, like our team at Help2Cover, and let them help you get the answers you need.
I hope you enjoyed this piece and that you learned something helpful. This is part of a series about insurance preparation this time of year, so make sure not to miss next month’s topic. It just might help you save some time, money, and heartache.
Let Us Help You Prepare to Prevent Loss
No one loves talking about insurance, but we love insurance when it does its job. Well-designed insurance policies help shield us from catastrophic loss in the case of unforeseen events. Accidents and natural disasters happen, but you don’t have to wait to be a victim. The trusted insurance professionals at Help2Cover are ready and available to talk with you about all your insurance needs so you can be prepared to prevent loss.
Contact us today to learn more.
At Help2Cover (H2C), we understand that insurance goes hand in hand with solid financial planning. H2C Insurance Agency was founded by a group of professional insurance and financial planning experts. With years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the importance of comprehensive coverage and strategic financial guidance. We go beyond traditional insurance services. We strive to provide holistic solutions that integrate insurance protection seamlessly into your broader financial goals. Whether you’re seeking personal insurance coverage or business insurance solutions, our dedicated team is here to tailor a plan that aligns with your unique needs.
