We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. You don’t have to live near a large body of water to be in danger of a flood disaster. Now that the weather is warming up, spring showers are on the way. Protect yourself from future flooding now.
Here’s what you need to know.
Before It Floods
There’s almost no way to know if a flood will hit your home before it happens, but we do know when flooding is likely — even in the unlikeliest spots. The only thing you can really do is be prepared for it. The best way to do that is to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). While it is a federal flood insurance program, you can purchase coverage through your local independent insurance agency.
Flood insurance isn’t a requirement if you don’t live in a high risk zone, but it is a good idea to have it anyway. The cost is much lower when you’re not in a high risk zone, as well. When you have flood insurance, you may be able to be reimbursed up to $1,000 when you remove your insured property to a safe location prior to a flood. You may also receive a $1,000 reimbursement for protecting buildings that are in eminent danger — this includes sandbags, pumps, etc.
It’s important to buy flood insurance as soon as possible. Flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period before it becomes active unless you’re buying a new home and the mortgage lender requires it. You can file a claim from a flood as long as two acres are impacted or at least two properties.
After It Floods
A flood doesn’t have to be declared a federal disaster in order to file a claim. Once the waters recede, you can work directly with your insurance agent to start the claims process. Don’t depend on FEMA to help you. They offer small loans that won’t be enough to help you rebuild. Your flood insurance policy will make you whole again, up to your policy limits.
If your property is impacted by a flood, here are other things to keep in mind:
Stay safe. Don’t drive through flooded waters. Be careful when entering your home with standing water. Turn off power to your home so you don’t get electrocuted by power being restored to your neighborhood while you’re standing in water.
Document everything. Use your phone to take pictures or record video. This documentation will be helpful for processing your claim, especially as you may need to start gutting parts of your home to make it safe and reduce mold problems.
We never want to imagine a flood will happen in our neighborhood or to our home, but it’s always a possibility. Before the spring showers begin in earnest, let Charlotte Insurance help you protect your home with flood insurance. Contact us today for a free quote. You’ve protected your home from so many other dangers. Make this the year, you add flooding to that list.