Flood Season Signals Time to Review Insurance Coverage

02/22/2010

As flood season approaches in many areas, now may be the time for homeowners to review their insurance coverage.

Damage from flooding is excluded from most home insurance policies. This coverage is provided by the National Insurance Flood Program, operated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to its website, NIFP provides coverage to more than 20,000 communities in the United States.

Flood insurance takes 30 days to be effective. Officials in Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota have urged residents at risk of flooding to purchase coverage now. Home insurance companies in Minnesota are required by law to notify homeowners if their plans do not cover flood damage, according to the Insurance Journal.

"Minnesotans who have recovered from previous flooding know the value of flood insurance," Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty told the Journal. "Now is the time to make sure homes and property are covered, before the snow melts and waters rise."

FEMA suggests that homeowners plan ahead by waterproofing walls and basements to stop seepage. "Check valves" in sewer traps can prevent floodwater from backing up into house drains. Homeowners may also want to elevate furnaces, electric panels and water heaters to prevent damage from flooding.

ShareThis