Should you add flood insurance? Agents say, it depends

Flood insurance can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year, all the way up to $15,000.

John Craven

Aug 21, 2024, 8:53 PM

Updated 111 days ago

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After this weekend's historic flash flooding – even in areas far beyond a flood zone – you might be wondering if you should add flood insurance.
Insurance agents say that it depends on several factors.
"WAKE-UP CALL"
Ryan Kocsis' house in Oxford is literally an island, cut off from the outside world by flood damage. And what's worse, he doesn't have flood insurance.
"They just told us there's nothing they can do," he said. "This is what we're left with now."
Longtime insurance agent Peter Boccarossa says he has been flooded with calls from customers.
"That was a wake-up call, definitely," he said. "If you're not in a flood zone, you're not required by your mortgage company to carry flood insurance. And, you know, who really looks at this little, tiny river next to their house – that's 10 feet down – that possibility that it could come up eight, nine feet?"
FLOOD INSURANCE
Without flood insurance, you’re mostly out of luck. Homeowners policies only cover wind-driven rain, like tree and roof damage or water that comes in your windows during a thunderstorm. It doesn’t cover groundwater, including expensive mold damage. If you live in a federally designated flood zone, flood insurance is generally required. If you don’t, Boccarossa said you might want to add it – but ask yourself and your agent some key questions first.
“If you saw something around your house or something in your area, and it gave you concern, that’s probably time to take a look at it,” he said.
Flood insurance can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year, all the way up to $15,000. According to federal guidelines, it all depends on your elevation, how close you are to water, local repair costs and how often floods happen.
If you have a damaged car, there is some good news. Comprehensive auto policies do cover flood damage.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
As for victims without flood insurance, federal assistance may soon be available. President Joe Biden approved Connecticut’s disaster declaration on Wednesday, clearing the way for recovery assistance. In the coming weeks, victims may also qualify for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, if Connecticut qualifies as a “major emergency.”
“There is still much work to do to repair and reopen the roads and make sure those who live in the area remain safe, and we are committed to completing this task,” Lamont said in a statement. “I thank President Biden for taking these actions and providing Connecticut with these lifesaving resources.”
Rep. Jim Himes is planning a community meeting for flood victims on Friday.
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM