Top Ten Flood Facts

1. Everyone lives in a flood zone.
   You do not need to live near water to be flooded. Floods are caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, as well as broken water mains.
2. Flood damage is not covered by homeowner policies.
   You can protect your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from the NFIP. You can insure your home with flood insurance up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for its contents.
3. You can buy flood insurance regardless of your level of risk.
   It does not matter whether your flood risk is high or low. Anyone in a community that participates in the NFIP can buy building and/or contents coverage, with very few exceptions. Some Costal Barrier System (CBRS) areas, Otherwise Protected Areas (OPAs) and buildings principally below ground or entirely over water are not eligible for National Flood Insurance. It is a good idea to buy even in lower risk areas because 25 to 30 percent of flood insurance claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.
4. The low-cost Preferred Risk Policy is ideal for homes and businesses in low-to-moderate-risk areas.
   Homeowners can insure buildings and contents for as little as $119 per year. Business owners can insure buildings and contents for as little as $550 per year. Residential renters can insure contents for as little as $39 per year.
5. Flood insurance is affordable.
   About 90 private insurance companies nationally offer affordable flood insurance backed by the federal government. Contact your local agent. Policies are available to homeowners, condo owners, apartment owners, renters, and business owners alike.
6. Flood insurance is easy to get.
   You can buy flood insurance from private insurance companies and independent insurance agents; call yours today! You can purchase flood insurance with a credit card.
7. Contents coverage is separate, so renters can also insure their belongings.
   Up to $100,000 contents coverage is available for homeowners and renters. Whether you rent or own your home or business, make sure to ask your insurance agent about contents coverage. It is not automatically included with the building coverage (except under the Preferred Risk Policy).
8. Up to a total of $1 million in flood insurance coverage is available for non-residential buildings and contents.
   Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for non-residential buildings.
   Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for the contents of non-residential buildings.
9. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.
   Plan ahead, so you are not caught without insurance when a flood threatens your home or business.
10. Federal disaster assistance is not the answer.

Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Flood insurance pays even if a disaster is not declared.

This information was generously provided by the National Flood Insurance Program.