Whether your home is on the coastline or in a landlocked neighborhood, floods can be catastrophic and costly. Because of this risk and homeowners insurance not including coverage for flood damage, flood insurance is an essential commodity for many homeowners. But how can you know if a flood policy is right for you? To help you decide, here are some of the most important things to know about flood insurance:
Mortgage lenders often require flood insurance for buying a home. This is especially common in areas with higher flood risk, but may be a requirement in other circumstances. The best way to know if you'll need flood insurance to get a mortgage for purchasing or refinancing is to find out if you're in an official flood zone as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and discuss it with your lender.
If flood insurance isn't required where you live, you may still want to consider the investment. However, it's safest to discuss flood coverage with your insurance provider before you need it. Many policies have a 30-day waiting period before the coverage takes effect. This means that buying a last-minute policy right before an oncoming storm might not protect your home.
According to FEMA, more than 20% of all claims made through the National Flood Insurance Program were from residents outside flood zones. Researching local flood history is extremely helpful when buying a new home, as it can help you determine your risk and budget for additional coverage. Living outside an official flood zone doesn't guarantee you won't experience a flood; however, it can mean lower insurance rates.
While not required everywhere, flood insurance can provide excellent relief in the event your home or belongings are damaged by a flood. Keep these key factors in mind and consult with an insurance professional to determine the best choice for your situation.
Hi, I'm Ronald Bixby and I'd love to assist you. Honor, Respect, and Integrity...These are qualities that were instilled in a small town in upstate NY and reaffirmed in the US Navy. I was raised in a town called Horseheads. After graduating High school, I decided to see the world and I went into the Navy. Although I wanted to see the world, I ended up joining the submarine force and unfortunately, they don't have too many windows on subs! After getting out of the Navy, I found myself with an opportunity to get into the restaurant business and that's where I spent the next 30 years. I am blessed with an amazing wife, who is my rock, 4 beautiful daughters, and a son... Parenthood has a way of keeping you on your toes! However, thinking that I was missing something, I decided to make a change and started exploring the Real Estate business, and the more I looked into it, the more I knew this was the right profession for me. I like to help people and assisting a family buy or sell a home is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. If I can make someone half as happy as I am...it's a great day. Let me help you be happy.