How can I buy flood insurance?
There are many great reasons to have flood insurance, and you’re watching this video because you’re interested in protecting the life you’ve built from flood damage. That’s a financially smart move because floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Just one inch of water can cost $25,000 in damage.
Flood insurance will help you pay for flood damage—something homeowners and renters insurance policies typically won’t do. Many people don’t realize this until it’s too late.
Buying flood insurance is just like buying any other type of insurance policy: it starts with contacting your insurance agent. The only requirement is that you live in a NFIP-participating community. More than 22,000 communities across the country participate in the program.
Your insurance agent will help answer your questions on what coverage is right for you, give you a price quote, and help you fill out an application.
To determine your policy cost your agent will look at things like the location and structure of your home, as well as which coverage option you have selected.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, the price for a National Flood Insurance Program policy will be the same through any insurance agent or company.
Your agent will also go over your payment options during this time. The full year payment is due with your application.
If you live in an area outside the high-risk flood area you may be able to purchase a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy. Discuss this possibility with your agent.
Don’t wait to purchase your policy. Flood insurance typically takes 30 days to take effect. But there are exceptions to the waiting period; so talk to your agent to see if any of those exceptions apply to you.
If your insurance agent doesn’t sell flood insurance, the NFIP Referral Call Center at can help you find a participating agent in your area. However, you cannot buy a policy directly through FEMA.
Contact your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov for more help on purchasing a flood insurance policy.
article and video courtesy of FEMA https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/165839