Flood Insurance

Don't get caught by the unpredictable Florida weather. Protect your home in case of floods with flood insurance from McGraw Insurance Services. Just because you're not in a high risk flood zone doesn't mean you are safe from flood damage. In fact, up to one quarter of all flood damage occurs in areas outside of designated high risk areas!

According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster. What’s more, 30 percent of flood claims are filed by people living in moderate- to low-risk areas. Floodwaters have the power to damage not only your home and sense of security but also your financial future. How can you protect your most important investment? What are your flood options?

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

A standard Homeowners policy does not cover damages from flooding. A separate Flood policy is needed to cover losses to your property caused by flooding, which provides coverage for things such as:

• Structural damage
• Furnace, water heater and air conditioner
• Flood debris clean up
• Floor surfaces (carpeting and tile)

You can also purchase a Flood Insurance policy to cover the contents of your home, such as furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry and artwork. 

Cost of Coverage

As a homeowner, you can insure your home for up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. For this $250,000/$100,000 building and contents coverage, yearly premiums average:

• $355 for low- to moderate-risk areas
• $2,734 for high-risk areas

While it is up to the property owner to decide if they want to cover the building, if you are a renter, you can cover your belongings up to $100,000.

Stay Protected

Flood Insurance means you’ll be reimbursed for all of your covered losses. Plus, unlike federal aid, it never has to be repaid. As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you’re eligible to purchase Flood Insurance.

In general, a policy does not take effect until 30 days after you purchase flood insurance. So, if the weather forecast announces a flood alert for your area and you want to purchase coverage, it’s already too late. You will not be insured if you buy a policy a few days before a flood. However, if your lender requires flood insurance in connection with the making, increasing, extending or renewing of your loan, there is no waiting period.

For more information on flood insurance, including premium costs, levels of coverage and the flood risk for your area, visit Floodsmart.gov or contact McGraw Insurance Services.

Call us at 850-476-3745 to speak to an agent today.

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