Only a few percent of homeowners have flood insurance, and the majority of those who have the coverage do so because they live in a designated flood zone.
But do you need flood insurance? And if yes, how do you get a policy?
Do I Need Flood Insurance?
Flood can happen anywhere at any time. Therefore, serious consideration should be given to buying flood insurance even if you are not required to have the policy. Flood insurance is mandatory if:
- You have a property in a high-risk flood zone.
- Your property has a federally backed mortgage.
- You have gotten a grant for previous flood losses.
However, there are virtually zero homes that are completely safe from floods. The good news is that if you reside in an area with a low risk of flooding, you’ll pay much less for coverage than someone who lives in a high-risk zone.
Getting A Flood Insurance Plan
You can get flood insurance plan at any time. There are two options for purchasing flood insurance coverage:
- Private flood insurance
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
To get the National Flood Insurance Program, you need to verify if your zone participates in the program. If your location does not participate in the program, you’ll need to contact your carrier to set up a private flood insurance policy.
When Will Your Policy Takes Effect
Your policies take upwards of 30 days after purchase to take effect unless the policy is required to qualify for a mortgage.