According to the National Flood Insurance Program or (NFIP), floods threaten 20% of Americans, and cause billions of dollars in damage each year. While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from pipes bursting or water dAccording to the National Flood Insurance Program or (NFIP), floods threaten 20% of Americans, and cause billions of dollars in damage each year. While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from pipes bursting or water damage due to a broken window caused by a storm, they almost never cover damage from flooding. That’s why if you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to have both homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Generally, flood insurance will cover damage to the structure and contents of your home or business caused by flooding. This can include damage caused by:
– Rising waters that enter your home through doors, windows, or other openings
– Water that overflows onto your property from nearby rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
– Water seeping into your home through cracks or holes in its foundation
– Mudflow; a type of landslide that includes mud, water, rock, and debris
– Sewer backup; when water from overloaded sewers or drains backs up into your home
And of course, there are some things that flood insurance doesn’t cover, including:
-Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that occurs before or after the flooding event
-Losses incurred if you fail to maintain your policy or allow it to lapse
-Economic losses such as lost business income or revenue

Flood insurance is often an optional coverage, but depending on your home’s flood location, some lenders may require it. Always work with a trusted insurance agent who can help you find the right coverages for your situation. amage due to a broken window caused by a storm, they almost never cover damage from flooding. That’s why if you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to have both homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Generally, flood insurance will cover damage to the structure and contents of your home or business caused by flooding. This can include damage caused by:
– Rising waters that enter your home through doors, windows, or other openings
– Water that overflows onto your property from nearby rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
– Water seeping into your home through cracks or holes in its foundation
– Mudflow; a type of landslide that includes mud, water, rock, and debris
– Sewer backup; when water from overloaded sewers or drains backs up into your home

And of course, there are some things that flood insurance doesn’t cover, including:
-Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that occurs before or after the flooding event
-Losses incurred if you fail to maintain your policy or allow it to lapse
-Economic losses such as lost business income or revenue
Flood insurance is often an optional coverage, but depending on your home’s flood location, some lenders may require it. Always work with a trusted insurance agent who can help you find the right coverages for your situation.

Flood Insurance in Gilbert, AZAccording to FEMA, flood claims occurred in every state in our country in 2016 with the average claim cost in excess of $31,000. Just because your property doesn’t sit next to a stream, river or other body of water doesn’t mean you won’t be impacted. Our recent hurricanes are a great example. Heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems, run-off from hillsides can seep into your basements and levees can fail. Pretty much anywhere rain falls is where flooding can occur, although, rain is not always the reason. Additionally, it is important to note that flood insurance is NOT included with your standard homeowners insurance policy.

If you do experience a flood claim and have flood insurance, keep these things in mind:

  • Report your claim as soon as possible and have open and frequent communication with your insurance adjuster.
  • Photograph your damages (great if you have before pictures also saved to the cloud, not on a computer hard drive). Your insurance company will likely come out and photograph the damages as well.
  • Keep a list of all of the items you lost in the flood. Receipts are great as well as lists.
  • Take a read through your policy to ensure you understand your rights and coverage.

If you’re considering purchasing flood insurance, we can help. Flood insurance isn’t necessarily expensive. If you happen to live in a flood plain or near a body of water, chances are you’re likely going to pay a hefty sum. If you live away from typical flood areas, your premiums can be much more reasonable. Considering the average cost of a flood claim, it isn’t a bad idea to assess your risk.

If flood insurance is on your mind lately, give us a call.

So, if you’re looking for insurance in Gilbert, give us a call.  Founded in 2005, Insurance Brokers of Arizona is a leader in quality protection for individuals, families and businesses throughout the Southwest. Insurance Brokers of Arizona is currently licensed in Arizona and California. Providing world class customer service with our extremely experienced and knowledgeable team, paired with our ability to understand our customer’s coverage needs, drives the success of our agency.

By offering protection for your AutoHomeBusiness and Health Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future, so that you can focus on what is important to you and your family. At Insurance Brokers of Arizona our #1 job is to assist you in identifying your needs and problems, while putting together a customized plan that’s simple and easy to understand.

Two Ways to Construct a List

Why to keep a home inventory checklist in Gilbert, AZFor most of us, we won’t have to experience a disastrous home loss such as a flood, fire, earthquake or other disaster. That doesn’t mean any of us should be less prepared for such an event should one occur. Preparing a home inventory can be a large task, but taking the time to do so can make a difference of thousands of dollars when it comes to your claims settlement as well as simple ease of processing your claim.

For many of us, where we live symbolizes us and what is in that house symbolizes our lives. Our belongings represent our memories, personal style and even investments that hold significant value such as art.  When you add up how much all of your personal items are worth, it can be a substantial figure into the many tens of thousands of dollars or more.

Home insurance claims from disasters such as flood or fire are traumatic. A home inventory checklist can help you remember quickly what items you had. Would you recall exactly how many pairs of jeans you had and what brand they were? Would you recall how many pairs of shoes you had or what brands they were? What about art? Could you recall the name of the artist and how much you paid for it?

Taking the time to inventory your home can be useful in the event of theft or damage to the contents of your home. Keep track of your items with easy to use chart! You can even attach photos of your items and quickly send this chart to your insurance agent to help speed up the claims process. Another way to document is with a thorough video or video series. Be sure to store your home inventory checklist in a safe place like in the cloud.

The good news is your insurance agent likely gave you sufficient coverage for your personal property. If you feel like you need more, be sure to tell your agent. Home, renters and condo insurance policies typically come standard with this coverage.

So, if you’re looking for insurance in Gilbert, give us a call.  Founded in 2005, Insurance Brokers of Arizona is a leader in quality protection for individuals, families and businesses throughout the Southwest. Insurance Brokers of Arizona is currently licensed in Arizona and California. Providing world class customer service with our extremely experienced and knowledgeable team, paired with our ability to understand our customer’s coverage needs, drives the success of our agency.

By offering protection for your AutoHomeBusiness and Health Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future, so that you can focus on what is important to you and your family. At Insurance Brokers of Arizona our #1 job is to assist you in identifying your needs and problems, while putting together a customized plan that’s simple and easy to understand.