Federal Disaster Relief is not always a guarantee. Many homeowners anxiously wait to hear if they will receive any help from the U.S. government. This type of assistance is only made available if the event is declared a disaster by the President. The financial aid provided is often a loan that requires repayment. If your home is flooded and assistance is not available, you will be responsible for the damage costs.

A quality flood insurance policy could help cover claims even when a disaster is not declared. Your financial losses can be reimbursed and this does not require repayment. Do not wait until there is a risk of flooding before purchasing flood insurance. A policy will not take effect immediately after purchase.

Quick Flood Insurance Facts:

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S.

• Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover floods.
• Nearly 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.
• Just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage.
• Flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts.
• Federal disaster aid is NOT guaranteed and often comes as a loan, not a grant.
• Private flood insurance may offer higher coverage limits than the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Flood maps change frequently, and areas not considered high-risk today may be tomorrow.
  View the FEMA Flood Maps and link it here:
  https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps.
• Elevating your home and installing flood vents can lower flood insurance costs.
• The average flood insurance claim payout is around $52,000, but major floods can cause much higher damage.