Thursday, March 31, 2016

By John Voket Homes in high-risk flood areas are not the only ones that need flood insurance. Approximately one in four of all flood disasters occur in areas with low to moderate risk of flooding.

Floods can happen anywhere, anytime—not just near the coast, lakes and rivers, warns the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut (PIACT), a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

Torrential rain, snow melt and mudslides can all cause flood losses. Teri Walsh, PIACT president, reminds homeowners that generally, coverage provided by a standard home or business policy does not include damage caused by flooding or mudslides.

Walsh says this type of damage could be extremely destructive to your property, and without the proper insurance coverage, you could be devastated financially.

It's important to remember that, with very few exceptions (such as a lender requiring coverage on a brand new house), you must wait 30 days before coverage becomes effective.

A professional insurance agent can help with details on how the right coverage can protect you from the aftermath of flooding.

To find out your flood risk, explore coverage options or find an agent in your area, visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

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