Flood Insurance

Did you know that 90 percent of all national disasters in the United States involve flooding? About 2.4 million homes in the Atlantic region are at risk of flood damage. That's about $793 billion of potential devastation, and that’s not even counting the costs to businesses. It's easy to overlook flood insurance until it's too late, but in the large swaths of land that are prone to heavy rain and hurricanes, it's crucial to make sure your property is covered.

Flood insurance covers damages caused by rising water levels. It's different than typical home or commercial insurance; unless your policy clearly states otherwise, your property insurance will not cover damages caused by flooding. For those whose homes or businesses are destroyed by floods, it can make the difference between a bump in the road and total financial ruin.

If your homeowner's or business insurance policy doesn't cover flood damage, it's time to look at your risks and your options to make sure you're appropriately covered. First, find out whether you are located in a flood plain. If you're not sure about your risk level, just ask! FEMA publishes flood maps outlining flood zones and flood plain boundaries. A local, knowledgeable insurance agent should also be able to help point you in the right direction, so you can make the right decision about your risks.

Don't assume you're safe just because it hasn't flooded in a while. If you live in an area prone to flooding, investing in good personal flood insurance is a necessity. And if your business is at risk, you should make sure you have business flood insurance coverage. Even if you already have flood insurance for your business or home, it can't hurt to confirm that your policy provides the coverage you need. Now is a great time to get a second opinion for your own peace of mind. Contact WSMT Insurance or stop by our office. We'll match you up with one of our agents to evaluate your property’s flood risk and give you a quote for a policy that keeps you covered no matter how high the water levels rise.