If flood insurance is not required as a condition of your mortgage, you’re not obligated to carry it. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of:
• Flooding can happen anywhere and at any time.
• Even a minimal amount of flooding can have disastrous financial consequences. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, one foot of water can cause $27,150 of damage to a 1,000 square foot home, and the average flood claim is more than $38,000.
• If you think a regular home hazard insurance policy covers losses caused by a flood or heavy rains, think again. You need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage caused by a storm, hurricane, heavy rain, or ineffective levee.
• No matter how well you plan for a flood, the costs may be more than you anticipate. If you are not on solid financial footing with money set aside for emergencies, it may be better to get coverage. Flood policies in moderate to low-risk areas could cost less than your monthly cell phone bill, and could save you a bundle if your home sustains damage.

For more information about your flood risk and the potential cost of a flood to your home, go to https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ Next, contact us and we’ll make sure your home is protected.