After this weekend’s historic flash flooding – even in areas far beyond a flood zone – you might be wondering if you should add flood insurance.
Insurance agents say that it depends on several factors.
“WAKE-UP CALL”
“They just told us there’s nothing they can do,” he said. “This is what we’re left with now.”
Longtime insurance agent Peter Boccarossa says he has been flooded with calls from customers.
“That was a wake-up call, definitely,” he said. “If you’re not in a flood zone, you’re not required by your mortgage company to carry flood insurance. And, you know, who really looks at this little, tiny river next to their house – that’s 10 feet down – that possibility that it could come up eight, nine feet?”
FLOOD INSURANCE
Without flood insurance, you’re mostly out of luck. Homeowners policies only cover wind-driven rain, like tree and roof damage or water that comes in your windows during a thunderstorm. It doesn’t cover groundwater, including expensive mold damage.
If you live in a federally designated flood zone, flood insurance is generally required. If you don’t, Boccarossa said you might want to add it – but ask yourself and your agent some key questions first.
“If you saw something around your house or something in your area, and it gave you concern, that’s probably time to take a look at it,” he said.
Flood insurance can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year, all the way up to $15,000. According to federal guidelines, it all depends on your elevation, how close you are to water, local repair costs and how often floods happen.
If you have a damaged car, there is some good news. Auto policies do cover flood damage.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
“There is still much work to do to repair and reopen the roads and make sure those who live in the area remain safe, and we are committed to completing this task,” Lamont said in a statement. “I thank President Biden for taking these actions and providing Connecticut with these lifesaving resources.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal is planning a community meeting for flood victims on Friday.
“The best way to apply is through local or state government, or through my office,” he said. “We can provide information.”
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
