How to Protect Your Home From Rising Flood Waters
With changing and erratic weather patterns, flood insurance is no longer just an option for most homeowners, it's a necessity. Oftentimes, homeowners can't even get mortgages or equity loans on their property if they do not carry any type of flood coverage.
At Sweeney, Richards & Summers, we have plenty of flood coverage options for you to choose from. A lot of people have made the mistake of assuming that flood damage is covered by a typical homeowner's policy - this is not the case. Our agents will thoroughly examine your existing policies and make a recommendation based on your specific needs.
What are the Primary Types of Flood Coverage?
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Structural Flood Policies - These policies are designed to cover the structural repairs of your dwelling after a flood.
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Content Coverage - This policy will cover the possessions that were damaged due to flooding.
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People who live near coastal waters often have flood coverage of some type, but rivers, streams, and lakes can also be potential flood zones. You don't need to be able to see water from your front door in order to need insurance, as flood waters tend to travel quickly and cover large areas.
What You Need To Know About Flood Coverage:
It is important to note that there is a 30-day waiting period in New Jersey before any policy goes into effect. Simply put, this means that you can't wait until a horrible storm is approaching to invest in flood insurance. Your property and your belongings will not be protected until the 30-day waiting period has lapsed.
It is also important for homeowners to know that a number of basement improvements, including walls, ceilings, and floors are not generally covered by flood policies (personal belongings are not covered either). Further, flood insurance does not offer living expenses that would cover any temporary living expenses you may incur after the storm.
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The National Flood Insurance Program
Flood coverage is very different than most types of traditional insurance policies. Because flooding is typically regional, it is too large of a risk for most insurance providers to offer - this is why the NFIP exists. The program was created by the federal government to meet the needs of populations at risk of flooding and damage.
Flooding Is Often The Result Of:
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Hurricanes
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Landslides
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Earthquakes
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Overflow of Waters Inland
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Runoff of Surface Waters
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Rapid & Unusual Accumulation of Water
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Other Natural Disasters