Florida Flood Insurance
As a homeowner, did you know your insurance policy may not cover flooding? That’s right. The homeowner’s policy you currently have may not cover flood damage.
This can put residents along or near Florida’s Gulf Coast in financial ruins if there was ever a flood. Coastal residents and others who live in flood-prone areas are required to have flood insurance, so they are safe.
What If the Policy Mentions ‘Flooding?’
The ‘flooding’ mentioned in a typical homeowner’s policy may not be the type you may be thinking of, which could cost you. The flooding in a typical homeowner’s policy is for when a pipe in your home busts and floods your floor.
The type of flooding that is not covered on a typical homeowner’s policy is caused by heavy rainfall or some other natural disaster.
The homeowner’s insurance policy you have right now does not cover the above events.
Where to Find Flood Insurance in Florida
Most flood insurance policies in the US—including in Florida—are sold under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
You must use an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency to purchase FEMA flood insurance. Ardent Insurance & Risk Management has sold flood insurance through NFIP for many years.
Types of Florida Flood Insurance
There are two types of NFIP flood insurance policies:
Standard Flood Insurance
Communities that have an active and ongoing flood management plan have standard flood insurance. These communities abide NFIP guidelines in reducing flood-based damages.
Preferred Risk Flood Insurance
Preferred risk flood insurance is for people in low-to-moderate risk zones. These people are not required to have flood insurance, but have the option to get it in case there is a small flood or unexpected big one.