Stefanie: Are you aware you don’t have any protection for your home and its contents in the event of flood damage?
You: I buy my homeowners insurance from you. Doesn’t that cover me for flood?
Stefanie:  No. Nobody’s homeowners policy covers damage from flood. Ironically, flood causes more dollars in claims than any other peril and most claims go unpaid because the homeowner never bought a flood policy.
What you need is a special flood policy to protect your home. Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase flood insurance. But since your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you are eligible to purchase this coverage.

You: Why should I buy the policy now? Can’t I just order one when the weather is threatening?
Stefanie: Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, so now is the right time to buy.
You:  How much flood insurance should I buy?
Stefanie: The NFIP allows you to purchase up to $250,000 on your home and $100,000 on your contents. A $500 deductible applies.  If you want more coverage, I can get you the numbers.
You: So how much will an NFIP flood policy cost for the limits that you just mentioned?
Stefanie: Rates vary with your home’s location. Your annual rate is $348. This is a special rate because your community participates in the NFIP. After October 1, 2009, the NFIP will allow a $1,000 deductible that will reduce your premium.
You: Ok, Stefanie, I probably should have done this before now. How much trouble is it to sign me up for the protection provided by the special flood program?
Stefanie: It is easy. I will get things started for you today. The important thing is to get your house and contents protected from flood before the winter and spring flood seasons begin!
 
P.S. from Stefanie to You: To learn more about flood insurance protection just visit www.insurancebutler.com/articles/articles.php and page down to Flood. If you want to protect your home from flood, just call me at 690-8859 or drop me an email at Stefanie@insurancebutler.com.