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 flood damage. 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 for Flooding

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, give us a call 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 General Insurance Services, Inc..

Water Losses and Flood Damage

For your losses to be covered under a flood insurance policy, the following definition of a flood applies:

“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 your property) from: overflow of inland or tidal waters; and unusual and rapid accumulation.”

Federal Disaster Assistance

Federal disaster assistance is only available if the president formally declares a disaster. Even if you do get disaster assistance, it’s often a loan you have to repay with interest.