Federal flood insurance is a good buy

Key Points

• Act Before You Need it
• Can I Insure It?
• Costs Vary by Location
• Other Benefits
• For More Information
• Coverage Available
• Points to Remember

Federal officials say flooding is the leading cause of property loss from natural disasters in the United States. Yet even though flood insurance is relatively inexpensive and policyholders can collect for flood damage without an official disaster declaration, many go without coverage.

Special disaster insurance, offered through local insurance agents or directly from the government-run National National Flood Insurance Program, is not available everywhere. But if it is available where you live or own a business and there's a risk of flooding, buying coverage is a prudent way to manage your risk.

Flood insurance is available in communities that adopt and enforce what the federal government considers sound floodplain-management practices. To find out whether your community participates in the flood insurance program, contact your local government or call the flood insurance program's toll-free telephone number, (800) 427-4661.

Act Before You Need it

The most prudent course of action, of course, is not to live in a flood zone. Some people think that if there has been no flooding for 10 years or 50 years that they're safe. But in a floodplain, sooner or later the waters will rise. That's why it's called a floodplain.

Living elsewhere, however, might not be an option. For instance, consider fast-growing coastal areas. In these locations, it's wise to hedge your bets long before a hurricane or major coastal storm is on the way. That's because there is usually a 30-day waiting period after enrolling, before coverage of property and personal possessions takes effect.¹

Regular homeowners insurance may cover certain types of water damage — wind-driven rain or a broken water pipe that floods the cellar and first floor, for example. But a real flood — a river that flows over its banks and covers acre upon acre of land, or storm waves that surge over the coastline — usually won't be covered by homeowners or property-owners policies. That's where flood insurance, bought in addition to homeowners or property-owners insurance, kicks in.

Licensed property and casualty insurance companies do sell and service flood insurance, but the policy and coverage come from the federal program. No matter how or where you buy flood insurance, you'll get the same federal policy.

If there's a flood, contact the agent from whom you bought the flood insurance. That agent will put you in touch with a claims agent who will inspect the damage.

Back to top

Can I Insure It?

Yes -

• Walled buildings that are above ground and not over water, including mobile homes anchored to permanent foundations. The structures must be in a participating NFIP community for you to get the insurance.
• Contents of insurable buildings (including some basements) can be insured separately.

No -

• Travel trailers, converted buses, and vans.
• Buildings over water or principally below ground.
• Gas and liquid storage tanks, wharves, piers, bulkheads, roads, or machinery and equipment left out in the open.
• Buildings determined by state or local authorities to be in violation of floodplain-management regulations.

Back to top

Costs Vary by Location

The cost of flood insurance depends on the location of your property. Where available, flood insurance can be a good buy, especially considering the cost of replacing flood-damaged uninsured property and personal effects. Most flood victims who apply for assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to repair their homes and businesses receive help in the form of low-interest loans administered by the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration). Flood insurance premiums are generally far lower than the payments for a disaster loan. Be aware, however, that Congress is considering overhauling the NFIP, which could result in higher premiums for some homeowners.

The federal government's program fixes premiums for the entire country based primarily on a home's location and elevation.

Back to top

Other Benefits

In addition to flood damage coverage, you'll get:

• Eligibility for secured financing to buy, build, or improve structures in a special flood hazard area. Federally regulated or insured lending institutions require flood insurance coverage before they grant secured financing.
• Reduced risk of flooding. If buildings substantially damaged by flooding are rebuilt to new flood insurance construction standards, they have less risk of damage from future flooding and are eligible for flood insurance coverage at a reduced rate.

You can find out if your property is in a flood zone by calling the municipal planning or zoning department in your community. If you're in a flood zone, you'll need to arrange for a professional survey of your property showing its location and elevation. People who receive some forms of federal flood disaster assistance are required to purchase flood insurance if they live in a government-designated special flood hazard area. Federal law requires people who receive SBA disaster loans, or an individual and family grant, to buy and maintain flood insurance as a condition of receiving assistance. Uninsured repeat victims may be ineligible for assistance in the future.

Back to top

For More Information

For general NFIP information or inquiries about laws, regulations, or administrative policies, write to:

Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Insurance Administration
500 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20472

To order Flood Insurance Rate Maps or for information on Flood Insurance Studies, call the FEMA Map Service Center at (800) 358-9616 or visit www.fema.gov.fhm.

Back to top

Coverage Available

Flood insurance coverage is available for residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as for contents. Homeowners who carry flood insurance are covered for any flood-related damage to the ground level or upper floors of their homes. Flood damage to personal belongings is covered only if the policyholder has bought contents coverage. Coverage for flood damage to basements is limited to structural elements and basic items used to service the building, such as furnaces, water heaters, and utility connections. If you have a home business, a separate policy is necessary to cover structural or contents damage.

Back to top

Points to Remember

1. Flood insurance is available in communities registered under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To find out if your community is part of the program, call (800) 427-4661.
2. Don't hesitate to purchase flood insurance. Policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect.
3. Costs for the insurance will vary based on your community and the insured property's proximity to areas prone to flooding.
4. People who receive some forms of federal flood disaster assistance are required to purchase flood insurance if they live in a government-designated special flood hazard area. Failure to buy the insurance can result in ineligibility for future claims.
5. Separate policies are needed to cover personal belongings and the contents of basements.

Back to top

¹Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency.