Orlando, Fla.—Flooding is the most common and most damaging natural disaster in the US. In Florida, flood risk is higher due to the state’s frequency of storms and proximity to water. When the rain is not absorbed quickly enough by soil or other surfaces, it may become a runoff that creates flash floods in minutes.
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. Especially before the hurricane season, it is very important to double check your policy before it’s too late.
The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) provides flood maps that show which areas in Florida tend to be most prone to flooding. It is very important to know that in Florida, every property is considered to be in a flood zone. It’s just a matter of whether it is in a low, moderate or high-risk flood zone. Your insurance agent who will use a Flood Insurance Rate Map or FIRM, to ultimately determine your flood risk.
You must be aware that federal law requires you to purchase flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage and reside in a high-risk area. In moderate to low risk areas, flood insurance is not required but recommended.
To better understand your level of risk, the following is a guideline of the various flood zones in which you may find a property located.
Zones B, C, and X These are flood zones with a less than 1% chance of flooding each year.
High Risk Areas (Flood Insurance is Mandatory)
Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AH, AO These areas have a 1% chance of annual flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over 30 years.
Zone AR This is a flood zone with an increased temporary risk due to the construction or restoration of a levee or a dam.
Zone A99 Areas with a 1% chance of annual flooding that will be protected by a levee or dam where construction has reached specified legal requirements.
High Risk – Coastal Areas (Flood Insurance is Mandatory)
Zone V, VE, V1-V30 Coastal Areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding annually and subject to the additional hazard of storm waves. Also has a 26% chance of flooding over 30 years.
Undetermined Risk Areas
Zone D Possible but undetermined flood hazards.
Flood insurance is a valuable investment available to everyone: homeowners, business owners, condo unit owners and renters. Depending on the risk of where you live or own a business, as well as the provider you choose when purchasing flood insurance, policies may vary in price. Although you can purchase flood insurance at any time, waiting until a hurricane or major storm is threatening your home may be too late. Keep in mind, your flood insurance coverage will take 30 days to go into effect. One inch of flooding can result in more than $25k in damage to your home.
Let your local insurance specialists at Orlando Insurance Center assist you in the purchase of flood insurance before the next storm hits. Give us a call today at (407) 680-1214— for an initial consultation and quotes from among 20 different insurance carriers who support us!
Lizandra Mezquita
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"Email me" <lizandra [at] buscandoseguro [dot] com>