Not all homeowners that purchase a property need to have flooding insurance cover unless this type of insurance is required by the lender or bank. However many people that take out a homeowners policy automatically assume the policy includes flood damage. A homeowner first needs to check their topography as well as community history as well as speak to their broker.
Flooding insurance only covers natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, flash flooding and landslides. One has to be eligible before taking a flooding policy out they first need to check their topography as well as the community history. National flood insurance was created by the federal Emergency Management Administration due to predictability of flood risks in certain areas.
Due to the high claim rate on flood insurance policies it is not possible for insurance companies to provide flood insurance due to the elimination of profit opportunities for the company. There are special requirements needed by the NFIP before a homeowner can qualify for a flooding insurance policy. The voluntary participation of a community is designed to help reduce any future flood damage which may occur.
Only business owners, renters and homeowners in these communities are eligible to buy NFIP flood coverage and can be purchased as a flooding insurance policy through a participating insurance company and direct coverage which is one’s last resort is available through from the NFIP.
There are many homeowners that are not aware of the fact that they are eligible for NFIP. Flood insurance will only be determined by the surrounding area and topography of the property as well as the local community will help to decide if flood insurance is required or not.
For those that have purchased a property in a flood zone are required by the Federal Government to purchase flood insurance only when they are backed by federal loans such as FHA and VA loans. For these specific areas the private lender also requires that one takes out coverage. However homeowners that live in a low flood risk area have an option of taking out a flood insurance policy. All they need do is some research on the surrounding properties as well as the topography and then make a decision as to whether they require insurance against flooding or not.
Homeowners can obtain information with regards to the areas topography and flooding patterns from the local building and land management departments as the local authorities know how severe the flooding issues are due to storms and melt offs. One can also speak to the neighbor’s as they may also be able to give you an idea of the severity of flooding in the area. Your insurance broker will also be able to advise you whether you need flooding insurance as the broker is able to look at the local claim activity.
For instance homeowners living in Florida need to be aware and become familiar with hurricane coverage. Each state has its own requirements with regards to a homeowner’s insurance policy. For instance Florida is well known for its hurricanes and earthquakes.