Florida residents may enjoy more sunshine and warmer weather than other parts of the country, but they also face regular flooding threats. In fact, of the 292 hurricanes that have hit the United States since 1851, 120 of these tropical storms made landfall in Florida. These occurrences often cause significant property damage.  

Many homeowners believe their homeowners insurance ensures against floods, but they need to buy separate flood insurance to have flood protection. Contact your insurance broker to purchase a flood insurance policy if you haven’t already done so. 

What Is Flood Insurance? 
Depending on your level of risk, flood insurance can be vital to your recovery after a flooding event. Florida homeowners may be required to purchase flood insurance if:  

• They live in a designated high-risk flood zone and have a mortgage backed by a federally insured lender.

• Their lender requires them to purchase flood insurance regardless of whether they live in a high-risk zone.

• They live in a high-risk flood zone and have received disaster assistance through FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If they choose not to buy flood insurance, they typically will not qualify for future aid.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) underwrites most flood insurance plans, but Florida residents may also buy a policy from a private insurer. If your community participates in the NFIP, you might be able to purchase an NFIP plan, available through major insurers and the NFIP Direct system.  

There are two types of coverage: structure insurance, which protects the home, and contents coverage, which insures the belongings inside. There may also be coverage for debris removal costs, loss avoidance and cost of compliance.   

How Do I Buy Flood Insurance? 
You can buy flood insurance through your insurer. If a flooding disaster happens, you should be reimbursed for your covered losses—and unlike federal aid, you don’t need to repay it. 

A flood insurance policy doesn’t take effect until 30 days after you buy coverage. If the weather forecast announces a flood alert in Florida and you attempt to buy a policy, it’s too late; you can’t be insured just a few days before a flood. 

How Much Does a Flood Insurance Policy Cost? 
Your flood insurance premium depends on your property and location. Advance Insurance of Northwest Florida Inc. can help you decide on the flood insurance that best meets your needs and if you’re eligible to buy FEMA flood insurance.  

Protect Yourself From Floodwaters 
Floodwaters can damage your home, sense of security and financial future. We can help you get flood insurance to protect your home and financial livelihood and give you peace of mind if a flood alert is issued. Call Advance Insurance of Northwest Florida today at 850-469-0880 to get started on your flood insurance policy. 

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