All we have to do is pick up the newspaper to see another example of the importance of carrying flood insurance in Florida. In spite of the fact that South Florida has not experienced a major hurricane in several years, we should still be protected from flooding by flood insurance.
In late April 2014, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency after Florida was hit with more than 20 inches of rain in a 24 hour period, killing at least one person and flooding homes and cars in two Florida counties in the Panhandle. A few more inches of rain are expected to fall. Sadly, fire rescue crews are not able to respond to some calls because of road flooding. Some people have climbed into their attics because of rising waters, a direct result of Florida flooding. People are being advised to stay off the roads and move boats and jet skis from beaches to streets for rescues from floods.
This flooding resulted from a storm, not a hurricane. I wonder how many of the affected people carry flood insurance. I hope they all do carry flood insurance.
Flood Insurance in South Florida is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to cover damage caused by flooding and rising water. Most flood insurance losses happen in areas that are not flood-prone. Many flood losses happen from storms not rated as tornadoes. And remember, flood damage is NOT covered by a homeowner’s policy. You need to purchase a Florida flood insurance policy. If disaster relief aid even applies, it is in the form of a loan that must be repaid.
Before hurricane season is upon us, call for a no-obligation flood insurance quote. You will be glad you did if flooding hits your home or business.
Gracey-Backer, Inc., an Insurance Agency in Delray Beach, Florida specializing in all lines of personal insurance, and has since 1925. For a no-obligation quote on homeowners insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, boat insurance, or umbrella insurance policies, please contact us 561-276-6055 or 800-272-6055 and ask for personal lines. Or you can email us at insurance@gbifl.com.