Do You Need Flood insurance in Florida? We Are All at Risk!

Even though flood insurance is not a mandatory requirement for homes in Florida, it really is something you should consider investing in.   Our state is at high risk of flooding statewide, and it is strongly recommended that all homeowners carry flood insurance due to the number of flood claims made in low- to moderate-risk zones.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Here in Florida, the most common flood insurance is offered through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It has two separate policies that cover the following:

• Building insurance up to $250,000
• Personal property up to $100,000

You can choose to buy one or both types of cover to ensure that you are adequately protected should the worst happen.

If you are unsure what is covered within each policy, here is a breakdown of the some of the cover that is included:

NFIP’s building property policy covers the cost to rebuild or the actual value of your home, whichever amount is lower.  This will include:

• Your home and its foundation
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Air conditioning, furnaces, and water heaters
• Kitchen appliances
• Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
• Permanently installed wallboard, paneling, bookcases, and cabinets
• Window blinds
• Detached garages (limited to 10% of your home policy)
• Debris removal
• Water heater

The personal property cover will include items such as:

• Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable AC Units
• Portable microwaves and dishwashers
• Carpets not covered by your building policy
• Washer/dryers
• Your freezer and frozen food
• Up to $2,500 in valuables, such as art and furs

All claims are paid based on the actual cash value at the time of the incident and not what you originally paid for them.

Why Do I Need Flood Insurance in Florida?

Florida is a low-lying state that suffers from high exposure to storms.  Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause swells in the ocean that can lead to dangerous levels of flooding inland.

Depending on exactly where in the state you live, your home may be at a high or moderate risk of flooding.  But, wherever you may be, any risk of damage from water should be taken very seriously.

Cities like Miami, Tampa, Cape Coral, Bradenton, Naples, and Jacksonville are densely populated areas that are all at high risk of flooding should a storm hit.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already categorized areas of the state as being at higher risk than others, and this will directly affect whether flood insurance is required or simply recommended.

If the area you live is considered to have more than a 1% chance of flooding in any one year, and a 26% chance of flooding over the period of a 30-year mortgage you are considered to be high risk and flood insurance will be required by your mortgage company. Areas that have between a 0.2 – 1% chance of flooding in any one year are considered to be a moderate risk and flood insurance is not technically required.  That said, it only takes one big storm to potentially destroy your home and everything in it.

Be Prepared

Don’t wait for the storm to pass, be prepared and consider all your options for flood protection insurance no matter which zone you live in. Speak to the experts at The Sena Group today at 561-391-4661 to find out about flood protection insurance in Florida.

 For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any

of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.

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The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487