FLOOD TALKING POINTS

National Flood Insurance Program

FLOODING IS THE MOST COMMON NATURAL DISASTER

MOST HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FLOODS

YOU CAN PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE NO MATTER WHAT YOUR FLOOD RISK IS

PREFERRED RISK POLICIES PROVIDE PROTECTION AT THE BEST PRICE

Floods can occur almost anywhere at any time. You don't need to live near water. Flash floods, inland flooding and seasonal storms bring flooding to every region of the country. Just inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Only flood insurance financially protects your home and your personal property from floods. A flood insurance policy compensates homeowners, renters and business owners for all covered losses, and as opposed to a disaster loan, there is no payback requirement. The average flood insurance policy costs about $600 per year. Once purchased, there is a 30-day waiting period for the policy to become effective, so don't wait to buy it!

It doesn't matter whether your flood risk is high or low, you can buy flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. You can get flood insurance if your house has been flooded before, and you can purchase it even if your mortgage doesn't require it. People outside of high-risk areas file over 20% of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

For just $129 a year, homeowners can purchase a minimum of $20,000 building and $8,000 contents coverage ($25 more if there is a basement). Renters can pay as little as $49 per year for $8,000 contents coverage. Business owners can buy $50,000 building coverage and $50,000 contents coverage (per building) for just $567 per year. Business owners who lease their space can purchase $50,000 contents coverage for just $162 per year. To qualify for a PRP, the property must be located in a moderate-tolow risk zone.