No homeowner wants to deal with water damage of any kind on their property. Though leaking roofs and pipes are a problem, they pale in comparison to floods.
In fact, floods cause as much as $2 billion worth of damage each year in the United States. Worse, those floods can happen at any time.
With a comprehensive insurance policy, you’ll be able to cover the cost of any repairs after a flood. If you’re asking yourself, “do I need flood insurance for my home?” the answer might surprise you. Read on to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this insurance coverage.
Do I Need Flood Insurance for My Home?
As a homeowner, you likely already have homeowners’ insurance in place to protect your home from damage. Unfortunately, that standard homeowners’ insurance policy isn’t enough to protect you from flood damage.
Most policies only provide coverage for water damage due to ruptured pipes and leaks on your property. If you file a claim after a flood, even a small one, the insurance won’t payout.
If you live in an area where floods or flash floods happen even occasionally, you need to invest in home flood insurance.
Where Can I Buy Coverage?
Luckily, finding flood insurance isn’t difficult. The best place to start is with your current insurance provider. Contact your insurance agent and let them know that you’re interested in coverage.
They’ll be able to give you a quote for flood insurance over the phone.
Though it’s tempting to buy the policy immediately, wait. Compare the price you get from your current agency and shop around. Just make sure you work with an established company.
Remember, your insurance coverage is only worth the investment if the insurance provider will pay you for the damage your property experiences. Choosing a reputable company is the best way to guarantee that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Coverage Do I Need?
When you buy any type of insurance, you need to make sure you have enough coverage in place to fully pay for the necessary repairs. Think about how much your home is worth and how much the items you have inside would cost to replace in full.
Then, discuss those concerns with your insurance agent and let them recommend the best coverage amount for your home’s needs.
Keep in mind that the more coverage you buy, the more expensive the insurance will be. Make sure you’re able to afford the premiums before you agree to your coverage limits.
Investing in Flood Insurance Is Smart for All Homeowners
If you’ve been asking yourself, “do I need flood insurance for my home?” the answer is “yes.” Floods can happen anywhere, and your regular homeowners’ insurance coverage won’t be enough to cover the damage.
Talk to your insurance agent and discuss your options as soon as you can. The sooner you have coverage, the safer your home will be.
Though insurance is a great way to protect your home, you still need to stay on top of regular repairs and maintenance. Check out our latest posts for advice to help you keep your home looking pristine for years to come.
