Flood
Each year, more properties within flood plains are destroyed by flooding than by fire. Changing weather
patterns, increased urban development, and the leveling of forests have reduced the land's natural ability to
absorb water. As flooding becomes a common occurrence, property owners need to fact the facts -- Everyone
lives in a flood plain. Flood damage can happen anytime, no matter where you live.
A Homeowners Policy Doesn't Cover Flooding
Property owners know a Homeowners policy covers fire damage, but most don't realize that it won't cover flood or
mudslide damage. Rising waters and debris can destroy your home, business, and personal belongings within
minutes. If you don't have the coverage, you have nowhere to turn for help.
Federal Assistance is Difficult to Obtain
Most floods don't qualify for federal disaster aid. Only floods that are declared national disasters by the
President qualify for federal assistance. This assistance is in the form of a grant averaging less that
$2,500, or a federal loan that must be paid back with interest. That loan is in addition to payments on your
existing mortgage loan.
Flood Damage is a Growing Problem
As more flooding occurs throughout the country, the cost of rebuilding is skyrocketing. Floods now cause more
the $2 billion in property damage each year. That's your tax money being used to help thousands of flood
victims across the country. There is an answer -- Flood Insurance.
Flood Insurance Puts You in Control
Only Flood insurance protects your home and your belongings from rising water or mudflow. Flood insurance is
available for the structure, minus the land value. Contents coverage is also available, but is optional and
must be requested. Even if you've had previous flooding, you can still buy Flood insurance. If you've
received disaster assistance before, you must first obtain Flood insurance to be eligible for future federal
relief. Mortgaged properties within Special Flood Hazard Areas are required to maintain Flood insurance for
the life of the loan.
Flood Insurance Costs Less than Flood Damage
The average Flood policy is only $324 a year - that's less the $1 a day. Compare that to a typical disaster
load of $50,000, costing more that $300 a month for over 18 years! Flood insurance pays all covered claims
even if a federal disaster is not declared. Claims are paid quickly so victims can recover faster. You
can even get a partial payment right away to get started. Flood coverage is available up to $250.000 for you
home, and up to $100,000 for the contents.
Flood Insurance Is Easy to Buy
Anyone can buy flood insurance if his or her property is located in a community that participates in the National
Flood Insurance Program. Homes, condos, apartments, and business structures are all eligible. Even
renters may purchase flood insurance for their possessions. Since Flood premiums are set by the US
Government, your rate is the same from any insurer. Premiums are due on a annual basis.
Don't Wait for Disaster to Strike
Over 90 percent of all US natural disasters include flooding. The best time to buy flood protection is
now. Flood insurance claims are paid by policyholder premiums, not taxpayer dollars. Flood insurance is
the best way to protect yourself and reduce the cost of flood disasters, There is a 30-day waiting period on
most new Flood policies, so contact us now for more details.
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