| We are considered by many in the industry
to be flood insurance experts. As one of the largest flood insurance writers in
the state of Florida, it shows.
Your homeowner’s policy does NOT cover natural flood.
During the recent hurricanes over half of the flooding events occurred in flood
zones B, C or X. These are the zones that are not normally required to carry flood
insurance by a mortgage company. You should be aware that Federal Disaster Assistance
is a loan (not a grant) on average it is $3,500 and must be paid back with interest.
New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes
natural runoff paths. Go to www.floodsmart.gov for even more flood information.
There is good news! You may qualify for a preferred risk policy that allows you
to buy this coverage back at very reasonable rates.
(B, C, X zone rates)
| Building/Contents |
Annual Premium |
$100,000/40,000
|
$233 |
$150,000/60,000
|
$264 |
$200,000/80,000
|
$296 |
$250,000/100,000
|
$317 |
Contact our office for other flood zone rates (A, V, etc...)
During the 20th century, floods were the number-one natural disaster in the
United States in terms of number of lives lost and property damage.
Over 90% of all U S natural disasters include flooding.
Each and every year, in America, homes in special flood hazard areas are six
times more likely to be destroyed by flooding than by fire. Changing weather patterns,
increased urban development, and the leveling of forests have reduced the land's
natural ability to absorb water.
Flood Insurance Puts You in Control. Only flood insurance protects your home
and your belongings from damage caused by rising water or mudflow. Flood insurance
pays all covered claims even if a federal disaster is not declared. Claims are
paid quickly so victims can recover faster.
Anyone can buy flood insurance as long as the property is located in a community
that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Homes, condos, apartments,
and business structures are all eligible. Even if you've had previous flooding,
you can still buy flood insurance. Renters may purchase flood insurance for their
possessions. Premiums for flood insurance are set by the U.S. government, your
rate is the same from any insurer.
As flooding becomes a more common occurrence, property owners need to face
the facts. Floods can occur at any time of the year, in any part of the country,
and at any time of the day or night.
What is FLOOD?
Basically, a flood is an excess of water (or mud) on land that's normally dry.
The National Flood Insurance Program defines a flood as the following:
"A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of
two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least
one of which is the policyholder's property) from:
Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff
of surface waters from any source; or mudflow; or
Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of
water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water
exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above."
Floods often happen when bodies of water overflow or tides rise due to heavy
rainfall or thawing snow. But you don't have to live near water to be at risk
of flooding. A flash flood, which can strike anywhere without warning, occurs
when a large volume of rain falls within a short time.
More and more buildings, roads and parking lots are being built where forests
and meadows used to be, which decreases the land's natural ability to absorb water.
Coupled with changing weather patterns, this construction has made recent floods
more severe and increased everyone's chance of being flooded.
Dangerous or damaging floods don't always mean dramatic, rushing waters through
the streets of your hometown. Just a single inch of water can cause costly damage
to your home! Keep this in mind when you're considering flood insurance.
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