Flood Insurance in West Palm Beach, FL
Florida is well known for its sunny climate and warm-weather attractions like beach resorts and amusement parks. But Floridians also face the risk of flooding. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 90 percent of all natural disasters involve some flooding.
Many people think their homeowners or renters insurance will cover damage sustained during a flooding event, but homeowners insurance doesn’t insure against floods. Residents must purchase separate flood insurance for flood protection.
What Is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance protects you and your home from the destruction and financial devastation caused by a flood. Typically, flood insurance provides coverage for the following:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Flood debris cleanup
- Furnace, water heater and central air conditioning
- Structural damage
Most flood insurance is administered through the federal government. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) underwrites most flood insurance plans, and usually you can purchase NFIP plans through insurers and the NFIP Direct system.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
There are two types of coverage with NFIP flood insurance: structure insurance, which protects your home, and contents coverage, which covers your belongings. There may also be coverage for debris removal costs, loss avoidance and cost of compliance.
Florida homeowners may be required to purchase flood insurance if:
- They live in a designated high-risk flood zone and have a mortgage backed by a federally insured lender.
- Their lender requires flood insurance regardless of whether they live in a high-risk zone.
- They live in a high-risk flood zone and have received disaster assistance through FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If they don’t purchase flood insurance, they usually won’t qualify for future aid.
What Does Flood Insurance Cost?
Your flood insurance policy depends on your property and location. All County Insurance can help you decide what coverage best meets your needs, if you’re eligible for FEMA flood insurance and what your flood coverage may cost.
When Should I Get Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance doesn’t take effect until 30 days after purchasing your policy. However, if your lender requires that you have flood insurance to make, increase, extend or renew your loan, there’s no waiting period.
How Much Flood Insurance Should I Have?
The amount of flood insurance you should have depends on where you live in Florida and your home’s risk level. We can help you obtain an appropriate policy for your coverage needs.
Flood insurance can help you recover and rebuild if you have flooding damage due to a covered event. Call All County Insurance at 561-967-7777 to get started on a policy.
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