Federal Flood Damage Insurance | DryMeOut.com

The most common natural disaster in almost any state, including Florida, is flooding. Valrico and other areas are especially susceptible to water damage due to flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes, but surprisingly few homeowners are adequately prepared when it comes to insuring their homes and belongings.

Many insurance providers do not offer flood insurance, and those that do may offer it at substantially jacked up rates. Fortunately, for many communities in flood prone areas, there is help available, and it is from the most unlikely of sources, the federal government.

Now we all know that the nine most troubling words in the English language are ?I?m from the government, and I?m here to help?, but in the case of flooding, they may actually be right. The National Flood Insurance Program provides federally backed flood insurance for property owners in communities that participate in the program. Member jurisdictions are required to adopt and enforce floodplain ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements in areas that are especially flood prone. This is designed to reduce the risk of severe weather losses due to flooding.

?The NFIP covers upwards of 5.5 million homeowners, renters and businesses in more than 21,000 communities nationwide,? FEMA flood-insurance specialist Richard Sobota said. ?Homes can be insured against flood damage for up to $250,000 and commercial buildings for up to $500,000. Policies can be written to include contents coverage for up to $100,000 for homes and $500,000 for business contents. Renters can insure their personal property for up to $100,000.?

Since it was established in the late 70?s, the NFIP has paid out over $40 billion in flood insurance claims, helping well over a million policy holders recover from damage caused by floods.

While FEMA administers the program, the policies are still handled through private agencies.

Unfortunately, many people do not buy insurance because a) they don?t think they can afford it, or b) they believe that federal disaster aid will be enough to protect them if a flood occurs. Federal disaster aid is a possibility, but only if the area is declared a disaster and even then, the assistance comes only in the form of low interest loans that must be paid back. It become easy to see why a nominal premium fee would be the preferred choice ($400 per year usually provides more than adequate flood coverage). For additional information about flood insurance contact your local agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov?to find an agent in your area. To see if your community participates in the NFIP, visit www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm.

Drymeout.com is the leading provider of water damage restoration services for the entire Florida West Coast. They are available 24/7 and offer same day emergency service in most cases, meaning their Immediate Response Team can be at your door promptly following your call.

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