There are many people – as well-intentioned as they may be – that will tell you flood insurance is not something that you need to worry about. After all, the insurance companies are out to get you, right? Well, wrong, actually. And flood insurance is something that you should understand and have as part of your policy in Harris and Galveston Counties of Texas.
It isn’t just hurricane season
Flooding is possible year-round and a simple heavy rainfall is enough to create a flooding situation, even for people who don’t live in flood plains. It’s not uncommon to think that you don’t need flood insurance, but Texas is unquestionably flooding more than anywhere else, as noted in this Bankrate article.
Water can do a lot of damage
Even if you accept the possibility that you may have to deal with flooding, it’s important to note that it doesn’t take much water to get the totals adding up like nobody’s business. Just an inch of water in your home could cost you over $27,000. So, imagine if that happens several times throughout the year, or even more than an inch of water in your home? It can add up in a terrifyingly quick hurry.
What you need to know about floor insurance
If starting to think that maybe flood insurance isn’t such a bad idea after all – and good on you – then there are a few details that you should know about. First, the unfortunate reality is that traditional home insurance does not cover flood damage. Then, when considering buying flood insurance, don’t think you can buy it the week before a major storm. There is a waiting period after you sign up for a policy before you could be covered and for most policy holders, it’s 30 days. You won’t be covered until that 30 days has passed, so it’s not something that you want to wait on.
Questions to ask your insurance agent
When you are ready to go in and get the real deal on flood insurance, being prepared is important. Here are some of the top questions to make sure that you ask:
- What is covered with flood insurance and what isn’t?
- How can I reduce my premiums?
- Can I have a full replacement cost?
- Are there any additional feeds or expenses I should know about?
- How do I file a claim?
- How can I prepare for hurricane season or a flood disaster?
The Real Deal with Flooding
No one wants to ever have to worry about water in their home, but the reality is that it may happen more than the average naysayer may want you to think. Climate change brings more extreme weather, and more extreme weather brings flash floods, bigger hurricanes and heavy rainfalls. Places that are reported to get a flood every 100 years are now flooding. It may continue to get worse as time goes on. The time to act is now.
It’s not everyone’s favorite subject, but knowing that you’re prepared for flooding in your home means that you’ll be able to sleep easier at night no matter what may happen. Give yourself that peace of mind by talking to your insurance agent about flood insurance and making sure that you’re ready for whatever may come. If you don’t already have a personal relationship with your insurance agent, let Paula Smith Insurance be that go to for insurance related questions and give us a call at (281) 488-8880 today.