- flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by wind;
- water which backs up through sewers or drains; or
- water below the surface of the ground, including water which exerts pressure on or seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool or other structure.
In most instances the combination of supplemental elective coverage and flood insurance can insure against most of these potentially destructive hazards. It is important for all property owners and renters to consult with their insurance agent to make sure that they have the maximum protection available.
You may be able to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To qualify for the NFIP program, you must live in a designated community that complies with the government guidelines for flood prevention. Flood insurance may be bought through any licensed property or casualty insurance agent.
Some insurers actually issue flood insurance policies, in partnership with the federal government, as a service and convenience for their policyholders. In those instances, the insurer handles the premium billing and collection, policy issuance, and loss adjustment on behalf of the federal government. These insurers are called Write Your Own (WYO) insurers.
If your agent or insurer is not in the WYO Program, you may be referred to another agent or insurer involved in the program. Your agent may also order the policy for you directly from the federal government.
If your property is officially designated as being in a special flood hazard area, you must obtain flood insurance. While the federal government provides most flood protection, you are responsible for applying for and obtaining this coverage.
Even if your home is not in a special flood hazard area, you may wish to consider whether you need flood insurance. Many area residents who have sustained serious damage in recent years were not required to have flood insurance, but should have considered the option. You should note, however, that there normally is a 30 day waiting period from the calendar day that you buy the flood policy before coverage will begin. Do not wait until severe weather is forecast before buying a policy.
We have assembled an index of resources to assist you in assessing your risk of flood and deciding whether you should consider the purchase of flood insurance. This important decision should begin by a careful review of the history of flooding in your area as well as the potential for flooding under various possible conditions.
