| Flood insurance is a separate type of policy that | | | | from Hurricane Katrina it is that home repairs are |
| should be purchased by anyone who lives in an area | | | | extensive and expensive and most homes that were |
| that is at high risk for flooding because most if not all | | | | hit by Hurricane Katrina are still damaged and |
| standard home insurance policies don't cover two | | | | abandoned all these years later as former |
| things - Earthquakes and floods. And for people who | | | | homeowners were unable to do the costly repairs to |
| live in high to moderate risk areas for floods, there is | | | | make the homes safe again. |
| a 26% chance that your home will experience some | | | | Even if you feel safe from flooding because you live |
| flood damage in the thirty year period that you hold | | | | in an area that is not considered in a flood zone, you |
| your mortgage. Even just a few inches of water | | | | should keep in mind that floods can happen |
| going through your home can create massive | | | | anywhere at any time. Every state has the risk of |
| damage. | | | | flooding. Floods can start from more than just |
| Even just a few inches of water going through your | | | | Hurricanes or rivers that crest over banks. Winter |
| home can create massive damage. Think about it. | | | | storms, snow melt off, and even new construction |
| Flood water is going to contain sewage, pollution, and | | | | altering the water run off patterns for an area and |
| chemical waste such as oil and gas and now it is in | | | | lead to flooding where it is least expected to occur. |
| your living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom | | | | Flood insurance cost varies depending on a variety of |
| seeping into your carpets and walls leaving a lasting | | | | variables including the age of the building to be |
| imprint. Even in a best case scenario - your carpets | | | | insured, the number of floors, the building occupancy, |
| and floors will have to be ripped out and replaced and | | | | the location of the buildings contents and where it is |
| if your walls were damaged you will likely have to rip | | | | located in a flood zone. Other factors that affect |
| out the drywall, insulation and baseboards and replace | | | | premiums include how much coverage you want and |
| them as well to guard against mold and rot. | | | | do you want to cover the building or the contents of |
| Can you afford to replace the contents of your | | | | the building or both? |
| home and do the massive repairs that will be required | | | | Talk to your agent about flood insurance before you |
| to make your home livable and marketable again | | | | need it because when you actually do need it and |
| without the help of insurance? If we learned anything | | | | don't have it in place, it will be too late. |