Floods are not covered by your home insurance, but we can help!
Did you know Waukesha County has a moderate to high flood risk? In the United States, flooding is the most frequent and potentially expensive natural disaster. It’s important to know what typically is and isn’t covered and what you can do to prevent flooding as best as you can.
What IS covered:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Foundation walls and staircases
- Built-in appliances, refrigerators, and stoves
- Permanently installed carpeting, paneling, and cabinets
- Personal belongings (electronics, clothing, furniture)
- Detached garages
- Furnaces and heaters
What ISN’T covered:
- Property outside of insured household/building (decks and patios, landscaping, swimming pools, hot tubs)
- Motor vehicles
- Flood damage leading to mold and termites
These things are usually paid out on a replacement cost basis within a certain coverage amount. It is important to note that standard insurance policies, like homeowners insurance, do not typically cover flood damage. According to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, all 50 states experience flooding, and over 20% of claims are from low to moderate risk areas, which means that even if you don’t think your area experiences a lot of flooding, it’s still important to be covered for when things, even small things, do happen.
There is a lot that can go into flood insurance, and it’s important to meet with someone to discuss what would be best for you. There is usually a 30-day waiting period after your time of purchase, which is why it is also important to cover you and your home and be prepared before any catastrophe hits. American Advantage IFS represents several insurance carriers that offer flood insurance on behalf of NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program). It makes the process easier and you work right with your agent. We also offer an INLAND flood insurance product that provides coverage for homes NOT near a water source or flood zone. It’s an inexpensive product for losses like we saw last year due to heavy rain and quick snow melt into frozen ground. If you’re concerned about water damage at all, from flooding, sump pump failure or because you lost power, to sewer and septic line backups, be sure to ask us about how we can help plug the holes in your policies!
