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Evaluate Your Need for Flood Insurance

Flooding is not covered in a standard homeowners, renter’s or business insurance policy and between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low-risk areas. The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking offers this information to help you get smart about your flood insurance options.

There is typically a 30-day waiting period on new flood insurance policies. Remember, not all water damage is considered “flooding.” Check with your insurance company about other coverage such as sewer/water back-up as part of your homeowners policy.

What is a flood?

Flood—an excess of water (or mud) on normally dry land—is the most common natural disaster in the US. The NFIP defines flooding as a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow.

How do I know what kind of flood area my home or business is in?

Everyone could sustain a loss from flooding, but not everyone faces the same level of flood risk. You can see a current flood plain map for Washington, DC, at this link [PDF]. Follow this link on NFIP’s website to where you can put in your address and rate your risk, estimate your premiums and find an agent.

How do I obtain flood insurance?

Contact your current insurance agent, company or broker or visit FloodSmart.gov.

Where do I go for questions about flood insurance claims?

To view the flood insurance claims manual, follow this link.

Be prepared! Make a home inventory

You never know when disaster may strike. Make a home inventory of your personal property including photos or video of your belongings. Store this inventory in a safe place to help file an insurance claim after a disaster. You can download the free National Association of Insurance Commissioners home inventory app for iPhone® or Android smart phones and other resources at this link.

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