The damage caused to a home from water can be devastating. But, did you know that in most cases water damage is not covered by homeowners insurance? Flood and other water-related damage is a common exclusion in almost every home insurance policy.  Yet, with the increasing frequency and severity of the storms that have been impacting our area, the need for flood insurance is becoming ever more important.

A flood is defined as a “normally dry areas which have temporarily been covered in whole or in part by overflowing inland or tidal waters, rapid run off of surface waters (such as heavy rains), mud flows or slides, or waters present due to the collapse of shores.” And, whether you live near a body of water or not, every home has the risk of experiencing a flood. Many flood related claims are miles from the nearest body of water.  Floods can be triggered by heavy rains, hurricanes, melting snow, and water backup – often from overloaded drainage systems, or dam failure.

While flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance, you can protect yourself, your home, and your possessions in your home with the purchase of a flood insurance policy from the government administered National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). What’s more is that if your community participates in the NFIP, you can buy flood insurance regardless of where your property is located, whether it is in a high or low flood risk area.

Newly issued flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so don’t delay and wait for the next storm before deciding to purchase a policy. Let the Townsend Insurance Group help you decide if flood insurance is right for you. When the next storm hits, you can rest assured knowing you and your home are protected.

Want to know if your house in flood zone?  Click here to find out:

www.freeflood.com