The recent flooding of parts of Arizona likely has homeowners wondering about coverage in homeowners insurance Arizona as they look at how to repair their homes (if affected) and to otherwise protect their homes. Unfortunately, they’ll likely find out that flood insurance is commonly not included in comprehensive homeowners insurance. If you’re considering flood insurance, after this unusual weather event and conditions in Phoenix, here’s what you need to know.
Where to Get Flood Insurance
For many homeowners, the damage caused by recent flash flooding is something they’ll have to pay out of pocket. Flood insurance is usually sold as a separate insurance policy, and not through most traditional insurance providers. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the United States’ main provider of flood insurance coverage, although there are insurance agents around the country that do sell NFIP coverage.
Coverage is Not Immediate
For homeowners who sign up, either because their homes were damaged in the early September flash flooding or because they want protection for their homes after the incident, it is important to know that there is a 30-day waiting period. There are a few exceptions to this waiting period. Those include: a new designation in the SFHA and the insurance is purchased within 13 months of a map revision, a determination by a lender that a loan should be protected by flood insurance and if additional insurance is selected on the renewal bill.
Deductibles
According to Floodsmart.gov, there are separate deductibles for the contents of a building and the building itself. Like typical insurance, a higher deductible means more out-of-pocket costs in the event of a flood, but it also means lower insurance premium costs.
Flood insurance may be required by the federal government, depending on where you live. Contact Summit Insurance today to find out more about flood insurance requirements and options.