Causes What causes flooding? What help is available Will my Homeowners policy cover flood damage? Who gets government aid? Review the risks What are my chances of flooding? Is flooding really a serious problem? What flood zone am I in? Can I wait for a flood warning to buy a flood policy? Insurance and costs How much does flood insurance cost? What are the coverage limits of a Standard Flood policy? When is buying flood insurance sometimes required by law? Why is my friend's rate higher than mine? Options When is a standard flood policy not enough? Where do I stay when my home is flooded? More information Why Flood Insurance from Fidelity National Property And Casualty Insurance Company? Can I talk with a flood expert?   Answers: a. What causes flooding?  Flooding isn't just a threat to people living near water. It happens all across the country. In all regions, in all climates, in a variety of ways. Take a look at some of the causes of flooding: Storm Surge Storm surge is a large dome of water, often 50 or more miles wide, that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall. Storm surge is the greatest threat to property and life along the effected coast. Flash Flooding Intense rainfall in a brief period leaves more water than the ground can absorb. When this happens, flash flooding can occur. Flash floods occur with little or no warning, move at very fast speeds and can reach a peak in a few minutes. They can roll rocks, tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges. Mudslides Mudslides result from long, heavy rains on hillsides and mountainsides. The water saturates the soil and acts like a lubricant, causing soil, large rocks, boulders and homes to slip free. Snowmelt This type of flooding comes when higher-than-normal spring temperatures cause snow to melt rapidly. The excess water is too much for the frozen ground to absorb. Ice Jams On frozen rivers, melting snow and heavy rain break the ice into large chunks. These chunks float downstream, often piling up at bridges, dams and narrow passages. These ice jams can force water to overflow riverbanks, flooding nearby homes and businesses. Nature isn't the only cause of flooding. New construction and paving alter land's ability to drain properly. As a result, run-off can increase two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain. Areas that were initially zoned as low-risk can quickly become high-risk as urban development alters topography. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) legally defines a flood as follows: Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a flood is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land by: The overflow of inland or tidal waters.   The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.   Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding, as defined above and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, including your premises, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.   The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding the cyclical levels which result in flood as defined above. To qualify as a general and temporary condition, the flood must affect either two or more adjacent properties or two or more acres of land and have a distinct beginning point and ending point. Also, to qualify, the flood waters can only be surface water that covers land that is normally dry. Top of page b. Will my Homeowners policy cover flood damage?   A Homeowners policy may cover fire, tornado or even earthquake damage. But seldom does it cover damage from flooding - nature's most common natural disaster. Top of page c. Who gets government aid?   Government aid is available only if the President makes an official disaster declaration (less than half of all flooding qualifies). Most often, federal disaster aid comes in the form of an interest-bearing loan. When grants are awarded, the average amount is less than $2,500. Less than half of flooding events are declared disasters and insurance is often the sole source of assistance for victims. Home Repair Assistance? Only very minor damage qualifies. Top of page d. What are my chances of flooding?   Live in a high-risk area? You've got a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during the life of your 30-year mortgage. You're also: 5 times more likely to experience flooding than fire. more likely to have your home burglarized. more likely to have your car stolen. And you don't have to live in a high-risk zone to be a victim. Almost 25% of all Flood claims come from low-to moderate-risk areas. Top of page e. Is flooding really a serious problem?   The odds may seem like a million to one you'll ever experience serious flooding. But it happens more than you'd think. In fact, 90% of all presidentially-declared disasters involve flooding. Even minor flooding can mean major financial difficulties. Imagine just a few inches of floodwater invading your home. That's more than enough to destroy floors, damage walls, and ruin appliances - costing you thousands (more on that later). Top of page f. What flood zone am I in?   Below are three major categories of flood zones. However, A & V zones have several subcategories. To get the specifics on what flood zone you live in, call your independent agent or contact us today. A zones are usually located near a river, lake or stream - making them the second highest risk zone. Average premium is around $595 annually. V zones are usually located near the ocean. This makes them particularly vulnerable to storm surges (flooding caused by hurricanes). V Zones represent the areas at highest risk, and premiums in this zone are the most expensive. Average premium is around $1,000 annually. B, C, X, and A99 zones are less prone to flooding. Depending on your area, you may qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy and pay as little as $111 per year. Remember that almost 25% of all flood claims come from these "low-risk" zones. Top of page g. Can I wait for a flood warning to buy a flood policy?   Putting off something this important is never a good idea. Especially since there's a 30-day waiting period on most new flood policies. However, there's usually no waiting period for flood insurance when it's purchased in connection with making, increasing, renewing, or extending a loan. Top of page h. How much does flood insurance cost?   The average premium for a standard flood policy is $382 per year. But remember, you could qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy and pay as little as $111 per year. (refer back to "What flood zone am I in?" for average costs per zone) Still, it's hard to see the value of a policy until you actually compare it to the price of flood damage. See for yourself: Flood Damage Repair Estimate   Remove debris $ 1,500 Replace carpet 15,500 Replace drywall/paint/wallpaper 6,500 Repair cabinets 4,500   $28,000 Estimated Flood Damage Total $28,000    Average Annual Flood Insurance Premium $382 A disaster loan of $28,000, which is repayable with interest, would cost more than $1550 a year over 18 years - in addition to your existing mortgage payments. Plus, if you receive disaster assistance, you must purchase and maintain flood insurance to receive further assistance. Top of page i. What are the coverage limits of a Standard Flood policy?   The maximum coverage on a standard flood policy is: Single-family home structure $250,000 Single-family home contents $100,000   Business structure $500,000 Business contents $500,000   Renter contents $100,000     (See how you can increase your coverage under "When is a standard flood policy not enough?") In the event of damage from flooding, your claim is paid regardless of whether or not a disaster is declared by the President. And a portion of your claim can be paid immediately to speed the recovery process. What can a flood policy cover? Flood debris cleanup Structural damage (walls, stairways, ceilings, floors) Household appliances damaged by floodwater (refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, circuit breaker boxes, washers/dryers) Wall-to-wall carpeting, tile and other flooring surfaces What can contents coverage include? Furniture (beds, couches, dressers, entertainment centers, tables) Collectibles, artwork, knickknacks Clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry Top of page j. When is buying flood insurance sometimes required by law?   If you have a federally backed mortgage on a home located in a high-risk zone, federal law requires you to purchase flood insurance to secure a loan. Also, if you've received a federal grant for previous flood losses, you must have a flood policy to qualify for future aid. Top of page k. Why is my friend's rate higher than mine?   Lots of factors determine flood insurance rates. These include: flood zone amount of coverage location of structure age and design of structure building occupancy structure elevation if located in a Special Flood Hazard Area Top of page l. When is a standard flood policy not enough?   If it would cost more than $250,000 to replace or repair your home, a standard flood policy won't be enough. Let's assume it would cost $750,000 to rebuild your home. That leaves $500,000 not covered by a standard flood policy. What do you do? Simple. Get a policy that fits. Excess Flood Insurance can increase your standard single-family coverage by up to an additional $500,000 - covering up to $750,000 total. Have a business? Extend your structure coverage from $500,000 up to $1 million. Contents coverage? Whether a homeowner or business owner, you can purchase up to $100,000 above the existing coverage cap (for a total of $200,000 for a single-family structure and up to $600,000 for a business structure). Excess Flood limits could be even higher in your state. Ask your independent agent or contact us for details. Top of page m. Where do I stay when my home is flooded?   Only if your home has been destroyed can you qualify for temporary housing (assuming a presidential disaster was declared). Fortunately, you can prepare in case you don't. Top of page n. Why Flood Insurance from Fidelity National Property And Casualty Insurance Company?   Fidelity National Property And Casualty Insurance Company is the industry's largest provider of flood insurance through the Independent Agency System. Superior product difference also distinguishes FNPAC from its competitors. That vast experience translates to claims service and customer support second to none. Top of page o. Can I talk with a flood insurance agent?   You bet. For any questions or comments, contact us via e-mail and we'll get back to you. Top of page