Is it worth buying flood insurance even if you do not live in a high-risk area?
Home ownership comes with a considerable part of the warranty. From making necessary repairs and replacing locks to checking a smoke detector.
One of the most important duties is to evaluate your insurance options. If you are purchasing a home with a mortgage, your lender will likely require home insurance from you. However, the lender may not require you to have flood insurance unless you live in a designated “high-risk” flood area. In this case, the decision whether to purchase or not to purchase flood insurance is up to you.
So is it worth buying flood insurance even if you do not live in a high risk area?
This is the question that weighs heavily on the minds of many Americans - and for good reason. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. The agency reports that a single inch of water in an average home can cost more than $ 26,000 in damage. Unfortunately, this damage does not only occur in coastal states. In recent years there have been floods
In all 50 countries.
While flood insurance can certainly benefit in the event of an unexpected natural disaster (hurricane, snowmelt, excessive rainfall and other extreme weather conditions), it also tends to be quite expensive. Often, the decision whether to purchase or not to purchase flood insurance depends on your cost and budget.
What is flood insurance?
Definition of flood insurance is a type of property insurance that covers an apartment for loss of water damage,
For it specifically refers to flooding.
This type of insurance policy is backed by the National Flood Insurance Plan
Homeowners and renters can purchase a flood insurance policy through an insurance agent.
What is considered flooding?
General and temporary condition of partial or complete flooding of 2 dunams or more of generally dry land or of 2 or more properties (at least one of which is the property of the policyholder).
-Inflow of groundwater or tides
Accumulation or abnormal and rapid accumulation of surface water from any source
- Mud flow
Land collapse or subsidence along a lake shore or body of water is similar as a result of erosion or undermining caused by discoveries or water currents exceeding expected cyclical levels resulting in a flood as defined above.
What does flood insurance cover?
NFIP
Provides general guidelines for flooding insurance coverage in the organization's coverage summary. In summary, the organization recommends purchasing coverage for both a building property and a personal property. Here is what is insured under these two programs:
Building Property Coverage - The insured structure and fund; Electrical and plumbing systems; Central air conditioning equipment, stoves and water heaters; Built-in refrigerators, ovens and appliances; Fixed rugs; Claddings, wall panels, bookcases and cabinets are permanently installed; Window shutters; Garages; And waste disposal.
Personal property coverage - Personal belongings; Curtains; Portable air conditioners and windows; Portable microwave ovens and dishwashers; Rugs; Washing machines and dryers; Food and food freezers inside; And certain valuable items.
What is not covered by flood insurance?
Items that are not covered by building property cover or personal property cover include: damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner; Coins, precious metals and valuables; Property and objects outside the building; Living expenses such as temporary housing; Financial losses caused due to termination of business or loss of use of insured property; And most vehicles start like cars.
Does Home Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
No. Flood damage is not usually covered by home insurance. So if you want to do flood insurance, you will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
Who Should You Consider Buying Flood Insurance?
Given that floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, we recommend that any homeowner or tenant who is concerned about potential damage to floods consider purchasing flood insurance. Those living in high-risk areas, such as coastal towns or low-lying towns, will likely be required by their lender to purchase flood insurance. If you live outside the high-risk area, you should still consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy - especially if the area is prone to heavy rain or snow and / or is located near a river, beach or dam.
according to
Floodsmart.gov
"More than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones."
Responses