| Having flood damage in your home or business is a | | | | - Is your roof sound? |
| catastrophe that most people are lucky enough to | | | | - Are you located in a well drained area |
| avoid. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone at | | | | All of these are important factors to consider when |
| anytime. | | | | you think about purchasing flood insurance. |
| A burst pipe, a leaky roof or appliance, a hurricane or | | | | But, what if you don't live in a flood plain and aren't |
| strong storm. All of these scenarios are seen | | | | required to purchase flood insurance by your |
| everyday around the world. If you think that it can | | | | mortgage lender? This is where it can be difficult. |
| never happen to you, you could be in for a horrible | | | | It is so easy to feel like it could never happen to me. |
| surprise. | | | | For most people, they are right, it won't. If it does |
| Many homes don't carry flood insurance. After all, they | | | | though, you will want to make sure that you are |
| don't live in a flood plain and aren't required to... so why | | | | covered. Purchase enough flood insurance so that any |
| spend the extra money? Many times flooding happens | | | | flood damage in your home or business is covered |
| in areas that aren't used to seeing it. Just take a look | | | | completely. |
| at the last year and you will see several heartbreaking | | | | When you go to purchase it, you will be offered two |
| examples of this. | | | | choices. You may not necessarily be offered |
| Homes that have been high and dry for decades, | | | | replacement coverage. Some choose to go the |
| even centuries, are being inundated with water. Rivers | | | | cheaper route. |
| swell, drainage fails... it is possible anywhere. Most | | | | If you do this, your items will be covered only for what |
| homeowners mistakenly believe they are covered for | | | | they are worth at the time of the water damage. It |
| a flood with their homeowners policy. | | | | won't cover the replacement value of the items. Some |
| Most flooding that occurs from natural disasters isn't | | | | policies will also limit how old an item can be to be |
| covered by your main policy. You need a separate | | | | covered. Be sure to ask very specific questions when |
| policy for this and most times it will be purchased | | | | you purchase your policy to make sure that you are |
| through the federal government. | | | | covered properly. |
| First, begin by assessing your flood risk: | | | | By preparing before damage happens, you will be |
| - Do you live in a flood prone area? Are you in a 100 | | | | providing your self peace of mind. Flood damage in |
| or 500 year flood plain? | | | | your home or business can be devastating. By taking |
| - Does you mortgage company require you to have | | | | the right precautions now, you are protecting your |
| flood insurance? | | | | future. |
| - Are all of your appliances in working order? | | | | |