We have all experienced record low temperatures and high snow fall this year, and we certainly hope spring comes soon. However, warmer weather will cause the snow to melt which can cause flooding. There is no question many parts of our state and the rest of the Midwest will be hit hard with flooding in the next few months. Now is the time to start thinking about flood insurance. According to the Weather.gov website, three factors can contribute to major flooding:
1. Solid ground freeze
2. A significant and growing snow pack
3. Sudden warming
Here are some good reminders:
- Most Flood policies have a mandatory 30-day waiting period which puts us at the beginning of April. This affects personal homes and commercial clients.
- Flood insurance is not included under most home and business policies.
- Water run off can be considered flooding.
- Do you think you don’t need flood insurance because you don’t live along a river or stream? You might want to think again. Nobody is risk-free when it comes to flooding. In fact, 25% of all flood insurance claims occur in areas considered to be at “lower risk” for floods.
- The average cost of property damage caused by a flood is $34,000, and it can take less than 1 foot of water to cause it.
- Floods aren’t only caused by rising rivers or lakes. Flooding is also caused by levee or dam failures, or intentional releases, clogged storm drains, broken water mains, and even collapsed swimming pools!
- Homeowners in “lower risk” areas can secure flood insurance for a very low cost.
Call us today for a free quote. Don’t wait for water to be in your house to think about flood insurance!