Flood is the number one natural disaster in the United States and yet many homeowners do not have a Flood policy.

In high risk areas, your home is more likely to be damaged by flood than fire. Your homeowner policy will not cover your home or belongings for loss and damage caused by flood or rising water. Just an inch or two of water in your home can cause extensive and costly damage. Check out this interactive tool, on FloodSmart.gov, for an example of what a flood could cost you by the inch.

Don’t wait to purchase flood insurance until hurricane season or spring storms are headed your way! Flood policies are not effective until 30 days after purchase.

Flood insurance helps you recover from damage caused by rising waters.

Flood Facts*

• In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.
• Everyone lives in a flood zone.
• If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance.
• Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
• A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
• Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
• New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.
• Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that must be paid back with interest. For example, a $50,000 loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be around $240 a month ($2,880 a year) for 30 years. Compare that to a $100,000 flood insurance premium, which is about $400 a year ($33 a month).

*For more information about the Federal Flood Program, contact a Maison Independent Agent or visit FloodSmart.gov