| After the events surrounding hurricane Katrina in the | | | | The most costly and deadly hurricanes have always |
| 2005 hurricane season many people in coastal areas | | | | been associated with large storm surges. In most |
| are asking themselves if they need to purchase | | | | areas a call to an insurance company will give you the |
| hurricane insurance. If you are asking yourself this | | | | chance to get informed about the costs associated |
| question, you probably do. There actually isn't an | | | | with flood insurance. The worst case scenario of a |
| insurance policy designed to cover hurricane damage. | | | | outright flood makes it well worth it to become |
| Most homeowners are cover by their home insurance | | | | informed about whether or not you are at |
| policy for wind damage and wind driven rain damage. | | | | risk.Between homeowners insurance and flood |
| Most of the damage that resulted from hurricane | | | | insurance the damages to your home caused by a |
| Katrina was resulted from flood damage. Flood | | | | hurricane and the associated storm surge will be |
| damage is not covered under your standard | | | | covered. The insurance company will access the |
| homeowner's insurance policy. Flood insurance has | | | | damage and assign the charges for the damage to |
| been offered by the federal government since 1968 | | | | your home. It is important to keep your insurance |
| through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management | | | | records somewhere safe during a storm and make |
| Agency). Most insurance companies in coastal areas | | | | sure to keep them waterproof. Also make sure to |
| will package flood insurance in with their homeowner's | | | | take pictures as soon as you can of the damage. |
| insurance policies.During hurricane Katrina up to 80% of | | | | Your insurance company will need them once you file |
| the coastal cities in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi | | | | your claim. The more information you can provide your |
| were flooded. Thousands of homes were destroyed | | | | insurance company the faster your claim can be |
| completely. If you live in a coastal area I would | | | | settled and you can get your life back. |
| recommend looking into flood insurance for your home. | | | | |