According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, flooding is the number ONE natural disaster in the United States. Floods and flash floods occur in every state in the US and with Florida being surrounded almost completely by water, a flood could happen at any time. A common misperception residents of Florida have is that they are not in a primary flood zone. Although, you are not in a primary flood zone, ALL of Florida is in a flood zone! No home in Southwest Florida is guaranteed safety from a Hurricane, Tropical Storm, or even hours of rain. With many of our cities being right on the coast; Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Naples one thing is certain, you will at some time see a massive amount of water raising. It is our job as your agent to make sure you are aware of the risks and hazards that can damage your home and/or belongings and to help you breath easier when you see the waters rise.
What is considered a flood?
A flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. Here is the official definition provided by the National Flood Insurance Program: “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:
Overflow of inland or tidal waters
Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
Mudflow (a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas)
Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above”
Florida Flood Facts
Just an inch of water can cause damage to your property.
Your Homeowner’s Insurance does NOT protect your property against a flood or rising waters
If you live in a low to moderate flood risk area, your premium could be as low as $206/year!
Approximately, 25% of all claims paid out are in a low to moderate risk area
Flooding causes more than $2 billion of property damage annually
General Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage
Generally, physical damage to your building or personal property that is directly caused by a flood is covered by your flood insurance policy. As an example, damages caused by sewer backup are covered if the backup is a direct result of flooding. What is insured under Building Property Coverage?
The insured building and its foundation
The electrical and plumbing systems
Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
Detached garages (up to 10% of the Building Coverage). Detached buildings other than garages require a separate building property policy.
Debris removal
What is insured under Personal Property Coverage?
Personal belonging such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
Curtains
Portable and window air conditioners
Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
Carpets not included in building coverage
Clothes washers and dryers
Food freezers and food in them
Certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500).
Give us a call at (239) 210-7700 or request a free quote online today.
