Flood Insurance

A common misconception with some first-time home buyers is that their homeowner’s insurance will cover them if their property is flooded.  Unfortunately, this is not true.  Part of our job at Brown Insurance Services is to educate our clients on the types of coverages they need including flood insurance.

 There’s an awful lot of water in Florida and it doesn’t always stay where it’s designed to stay. A flood can be caused by more than just overflowing river banks and high tides.  A flood being defined as excess water on what is normally dry land can be caused by a water main burst or other unnatural causes. 

The most common type of flooding does involve nature as a rule and is therefore very unpredictable.  Floods can come fast and furious and before you know it, there’s not enough time for sandbags, only enough time to scramble to higher ground.  Water can be more damaging than you think because of the lingering issues it can cause including mold remain long after the waters recede.  And, household items can rarely be salvaged because of potential health risks involved.  It’s important to maintain flood insurance on your home as that is the only policy designed to specifically protect you from this type of damage.  There are very few areas in Florida that aren’t prone to some sort of flooding and for that reason, flood insurance is something everyone should have.

Florida Flood Insurance 
Protection When the Water Rises

Flood insurance provided through FEMA helps protect against the devastation financial consequences of a flood. Flood insurance offer coverage for residences and/or their contents.  It’s important to know that a flood insurance policy will also only pay for direct damage caused by a flood or as a result of a flood.  It will not, for instance, pay for damage from a sewer back-up if that back-up was caused by something other than a flood.

Be prepared before a flood:

• Copy your most important documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information). Keep copies in your home and store originals in a secure place outside of home, like a bank safe deposit box.
• Take photos of your most valuable possessions (furniture, musical instrument, electronic equipment). Store copies with other documents.
• Save and store receipts for any expensive household items (appliances, electronic equipment, etc.) so that you have proof of original cost.
• Make an itemized list of other possessions, such as clothing, books, small kitchen appliances, etc. You don’t have to note every item and its cost, but the more comprehensive your list, the better.
• Review your policy and ask questions to make sure you have the proper level of protection.

Have an emergency plan:

• Provide your insurance agent, employer and family with emergency contact information, so that you can be reached after a flood.
• Put aside an emergency kit equipped with a large flashlight, spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches.
• Keep a minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.
• Include a battery –powered radio in your emergency kit. Even if you never experience a flood, you’ll be glad to have this kit during a power outage.

Be safe during a flood:

• When a flood warning is issued, heed official instructions.
• Don’t walk through a flooded area. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.
• Don’t drive through a flooded area. Just two feet of water can lift and move a car, even an SUV. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else during a flood.
• Keep away from downed power lines and any other electrical wires-electrocution is often a major cause of death in floods.
• What out for animals who’ve lost their homes during a flood. Animals may seek shelter in your home and aggressively defend themselves.

The Risk is Real

The first step in protecting your home and family is purchasing flood insurance. Understand your flood risk and know where to access flood information in real time to assess and respond to flood threats. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster. Andy only flood insurance covers flood damage. Floods can happen anywhere, even in areas no one believes to be high risk.

At Brown Insurance Services, we’ll help you understand just how much protection you need and what will be covered should a flood invade your home or property.  Our experts understand that every household is unique and will work with you to recommend just what you and your family.  While many things in your household such as photos and artwork can never be replaced, flood insurance will allow you to rebuild again and move on.  Contact us for all the information you need about Florida Flood insurance.