ATLANTA (WTXL) - Georgians are being reminded that a flood insurance policy can be a valuable addition to standard homeowners, renters and business owners’ coverage.
Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens made that point as the state prepares to observe
Flood Safety Preparedness Week from March 11‐16.
"Purchasing flood insurance should be an important consideration for all consumers, even if you thinkflooding is unlikely in your area," Hudgens said. "It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of flood claims are filed by people living outside of mapped high‐risk flood areas."
Flood insurance coverage for your home (up to $250,000) or business (up to $500,000) is available from the federally backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
A standard flood policy from NFIP will cover flood damage to the building, as well as the furnace, water heater; air conditioner, floor surfaces (carpeting and tile) and debris clean up.
In most cases renters insurance is available for tenants to insure the building and/or contents.
People can purchase NFIP flood insurance directly from any state‐licensed property and casualty insurance agent or insurance company if their community participates in the NFIP.
Insurance agents can confirm whether flood insurance is available to a person and what it would cost.
A flood insurance policy will not go into effect until 30 days after you
buy the policy.
For more information about flood insurance, to rate your risk, and even estimate what a
flood policy would cost, you can visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call the NFIP at 1‐888‐379‐9531.
