| During the last several years the subject of flood | | | | what you are protected against. If you read through |
| insurance has become somewhat controversial. The | | | | your policy and do not see any reference to flooding, |
| gist of the controversy revolves around homeowners | | | | you are probably not covered. |
| believing that they have protection against flooding | | | | So do you need flood insurance if you do not have it |
| when, in fact, they do not. The aftermath of hurricane | | | | already? That is a question that only you can answer. |
| Katrina truly brought this subject to the fore as many | | | | There are many areas in the country that are "prone |
| hundreds of homeowners attempted to file claims and | | | | to flooding" are in those cases you would be much |
| were subsequently denied because they did not have | | | | better off having the insurance. If you live near any |
| flood insurance. Hurricane Katrina is just one of the | | | | body of water (lakes, rivers, dams, oceans) you should |
| many natural disasters that have occurred, causing | | | | have this insurance, no questions asked. Heavy rains |
| thousands of homeowners to lose their homes due to | | | | can force water out of their areas and cause flooding |
| flooding. Knowing, for certain, whether or not your | | | | at anytime. |
| home is insured against flooding should be a priority for | | | | If you want to add flood insurance but cannot find it |
| all homeowners. | | | | available in your area or for your home, you can go |
| Homeowners should understand that there is a huge | | | | online and research the federal programs that are set |
| difference between water damage and flooding that is | | | | up for this. You may find that in some areas that are |
| caused by nature. Water damages, such as happens | | | | prone to flooding, many insurance carriers do not want |
| when a water pipe breaks and flood the floor, are | | | | to add new policies. This is where the federal |
| usually covered in a homeowner's policy. This type of | | | | programs can be very useful. |
| damage is often listed in the policy. | | | | According to FEMA, floods are the most common |
| Flooding that is caused by high water from external | | | | natural disaster in the U.S. and that floods can happen |
| forces is often not spelled out in a policy. If it is not | | | | anywhere in the country. The small added cost of |
| specifically stated in the policy that you are protected | | | | flood insurance is an investment well worth taking on |
| against such events, chances are you are not | | | | as this can be the difference between losing your |
| protected. Many homeowners simply assume that | | | | home and keeping it should flooding occur in your area. |
| they are covered for flooding events when, in fact, | | | | FEMA offers a very useful, interactive website that |
| they are not. | | | | can help you decide if you need this insurance or not |
| There is only one way to know for certain if your | | | | and can help you decide on how much insurance you |
| home is covered for flooding and that is to read your | | | | need. This is a very good place to begin your |
| insurance contract. Your homeowner's policy will state | | | | research. |