According to the Hurricane Risk Index via arcgis.com, the counties with the most hurricanes along the U.S. Coast include Monroe County, FL with 15 hurricanes, Miami-Dade County, FL with 14, and Broward County, FL with 12. These counties are classified as low-lying zones, which contain elevations anywhere from 0 to 20 feet above sea level. Low-lying areas are more susceptible to storm surge during major hurricanes, which means there is an increased risk for flooding and life-threatening storm events.
With such a large amount of hurricanes blazing through the state of Florida, flood insurance is absolutely necessary to protect yourself from devastating financial loss. Homeowners and renters insurance typically does not cover flood damage, so if you do not yet have flood insurance, now is the time to get it. Flood insurance can pay regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
How Does Flood Insurance Work?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, “Flood insurance covers direct physical losses from floods and losses resulting from flood-related erosion caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels and accompanied by a severe storm, flash flood, abnormal tide surge or a similar situation that results in flooding.” Flood insurance is easy to purchase, but costs will vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk. HH Insurance offers affordable flood insurance to protect you when the unthinkable happens.
How Should I Prepare?
Once you have flood insurance, if your town is expecting a flood or hurricane, you must prepare your home and develop an emergency communications plan. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood water. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can wash your vehicle away. Determine how to protect yourself based on the type of flooding: evacuate if told to do so, move to higher ground or a higher floor, or stay where you are.
What Happens After the Flood?
If you have NFIP flood insurance, your policy may cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures, such as sandbags and water pumps, to protect your property. Keep copies of all receipts and a record of the time you spent performing the work. Submit these to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim to be reimbursed.
HH Insurance
At HH Insurance, our team is focused on providing a world-class experience to you and meeting your needs to be a great insurance partner. We work with exclusive insurance markets that deliver you better coverage at the lowest rates. Get in touch with us today to get the best flood insurance rates and coverage. Our specialists are ready to answer all your questions.
**This blog provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract.