Protect Your Property from Floods: Things to Do to Reduce Flood Damage
Protecting your property from floods goes beyond flood and homeowners insurance. A little preparation goes a long way.
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Get a flood insurance quote and get protection and peace of mind for your home
Flooding can happen just about anywhere it rains or snows. On average, 40% of flood insurance claims occur outside the high-risk flood areas. That's why it's important to protect the life you've built with flood insurance, even if you live in an area with low-to-moderate flooding risk.
Standard homeowner and renters insurance policies do not cover damage from when groundwater rises and floods your home. Flood insurance goes beyond standard insurance policy coverages and protects you from more severe water damage.
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What does a flood insurance policy cover?
Flood insurance provides coverage for both the structure of the home and personal property in case of water damage related to flooding.
Flood insurance typically covers:
- Appliances, including refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers
- Carpet and flooring (except in basement)
- Personal property, furniture, clothing, and electronics
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Heating and air conditioning units
What's Not Covered?
- Damage from sewer line backups or to your sump-pump
- Vehicles
- Cash and jewelry up to specified limits
- Swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs, and patios
- Landscaping
* This is not an exhaustive list of coverage. Read your policy or speak with an AFI agent to know everything that is covered and isn't.
What about Federal Disaster Assistance?
Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Less than 50 percent of all flooding incidents are awarded a Federal Disaster Assistance declaration. If the President declares a Federal Disaster Area, most disaster assistance is provided in the form of a loan that must be repaid - principal plus interest.
When should I buy flood insurance?
It's important to purchase flood insurance before a flood risk occurs. In fact, most flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period after purchasing before coverage will be effective.
How much does flood insurance cost?
The cost of flood insurance depends on where you live and your home itself. According to FEMA the average cost for flood insurance in the U.S. is around $700 per year. Considering that the average flood claim payout from the National Flood Insurance Program is around $52,000, it's definitely worth investing in Flood insurance.
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