A common misconception regarding homeowner’s insurance is that the policy coverage includes flood damage. However, this is not always the case. A homeowner should check the requirements of carrying flood insurance with their lender or bank, as this type of coverage is not always required. History of flooding and input from their broker are also good things to take into account.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration, or FEMA, created national flood insurance to coincide with the probability of flooding in certain „high risk“ areas. This type of insurance covers damages to a home caused by natural disasters like flash floods, landslides, hurricanes, and earth quakes. A homeowner has to check their region’s topography and community history to determine their eligibility for this coverage before they can take out a policy.

A community’s voluntary participation is needed to assist in the reduction of possible future flood damage. A homeowner has to meet special requirements as set by the NFIP before they can qualify for flood insurance. This is due to the high amount of flood claims that has caused the insurance company to lose profit in order to pay out the claims.

In these communities, there are select insurance companies that participate with the NFIP program. Only homeowners, renters and business owners are eligible to purchase a flooding insurance policy. If direct coverage is needed, typically as a last resort, it is available through the NFIP. There are many homeowners that are not aware of the fact that they are eligible for NFIP. Flood insurance will only be determined by the surrounding area and topography of the property as well as the local community will help to decide if flood insurance is required or not.

For those that have purchased a property in a flood zone are required by the Federal Government to purchase flood insurance only when they are backed by federal loans such as FHA and VA loans. For these specific areas the private lender also requires that one takes out coverage. However homeowners that live in a low flood risk area have an option of taking out a flood insurance policy. All they need do is some research on the surrounding properties as well as the topography and then make a decision as to whether they require insurance against flooding or not.

Homeowners can obtain information with regards to the areas topography and flooding patterns from the local building and land management departments as the local authorities know how severe the flooding issues are due to storms and melt offs. One can also speak to the neighbor’s as they may also be able to give you an idea of the severity of flooding in the area. Your insurance broker will also be able to advise you whether you need flooding insurance as the broker is able to look at the local claim activity.

Every state has its own requirements for homeowner insurance policies. For example, Florida is notorious for earthquakes and hurricanes. Therefore, Florida homeowners need to be knowledgeable about and familiar with hurricane insurance coverage.

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