Flood Insurance

"Exclusion" is an insurance technical term meaning 'if it happens to you, we won't pay you a dime for it.' Most homeowners insurance policies contain this exclusion or something very similar: Section 1 -- Exclusions We do not insure for loss caused directly or indirectly by any of the following. Such loss is excluded regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any sequence to the loss. Water Damage, meaning: (1) Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, or spray from any of these... (2) Water which backs up through sewers or drains or which overflows from a sump; or (3) Water below the surface of the ground, including water which exerts pressure on or seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool or other structure.

Translation: If it's water and it comes from outside, through the wall, or up through the drain, it's not covered.

How much does flood insurance cost?

You can save a LOT of money if your home qualifies for the Preferred Risk Policy. Here are the requirements:

1. You are located in a community participating in the regular National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2. You are in a flood zone designated as B, C, or X based on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (We can easily check for you to see in which zone your house is located.)
3. Your home is a 1-4 family residence or mobile home. (Condominiums are not eligible.)

Structures located in flood zones B, C or X are only moderately to minimally at risk of flooding. For this reason, full coverage may not be necessary but some protection is needed. The Preferred Risk Policy offers you this protection with nine options all moderately priced with savings of 40-47% over the standard rates! Select the option that best meets your requirements.