Flood Insurance: Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
Floods can happen anywhere, anytime—even if you don’t live near a river or lake. Whether it’s melting snow, heavy spring rains, or an overwhelmed drainage system, water damage can cost thousands to repair. And here’s the catch—home insurance doesn’t cover floods. That’s where flood insurance comes in.
At Boufford Insurance, we help homeowners, renters, and business owners get the right flood protection before disaster strikes. Don’t wait until the next big storm—there’s a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in, so planning ahead is key!
Do You Really Need Flood Insurance?
You might think flood insurance is only for people in high-risk areas, but one in four flood claims comes from low- or moderate-risk zones. That means even if your home isn’t right next to a body of water, you’re not necessarily in the clear. Floods can be caused by:
- Heavy rains
• Melting snow
• Overloaded drainage systems
• Storm surges
• Flash floods
And unlike other disasters, there’s no government assistance unless a disaster is declared—and even then, relief often comes as a loan you have to pay back. Flood insurance is the only way to truly protect your home and savings.
How Flood Insurance Works
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers. The NFIP provides federally subsidized policies, making coverage more affordable for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Here’s what you need to know:
- Homeowners & renters insurance does not cover floods. A separate flood insurance policy is required to protect against flood-related losses.
- Federal flood insurance is widely available. Homeowners, renters, and businesses in participating communities can purchase flood policies through insurers partnered with FEMA.
- Flood insurance covers both the structure and personal belongings. However, coverage for personal belongings is offered on an actual cash value basis (depreciated value), while structural damage is covered at replacement cost.
- Coverage limits apply. NFIP policies offer up to $250,000 for your home’s structure and $100,000 for personal belongings. Additional “excess” coverage can be purchased from private insurers if needed.
- Businesses can also get flood coverage. NFIP offers up to $500,000 for commercial buildings and $500,000 for business contents.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Flood Insurance?
Without flood insurance, your only option for financial relief may be a federal disaster loan—which still needs to be paid back. Instead of facing costly out-of-pocket expenses, flood insurance provides the protection you need to recover from unexpected flood damage.
Get Covered Today
At Boufford Insurance, we can help you determine the best flood insurance policy for your needs. Whether you live in a high-risk zone or just want peace of mind, we’re here to provide expert guidance and affordable coverage.
Contact us today to get a quote and protect your home from flood damage!
