Flood risk is such a generalized term. But insurers cannot generalize about any risk – it’s their job to be specific. An excellent place to find good information about how flooding and flooding risks are defined is www.floodsmart.gov, the official NationalFlood Insurance Program site.
Granted, flooding can happen almost anywhere, but there are particular areas, which are especially susceptible to raised water troubles. Risk areas can be broken up as follows: high-risk, moderate-to-low risk, and undetermined-risk regions.
High-risk areas have at least a 1% chance of flooding every year. If you do the math, this equals a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a typical 30-year mortgage. In these regions, every homeowner with federally regulated or insured lenders is required to purchase flood insurance.
Moderate-to-low risk regions are outside the 1% annual flood risk floodplain. Flood insurance isn’t required for these places, but it is highly recommended. “Undetermined” risk areas are regions where no flood-hazard analysis has been commissioned.
Perhaps you’re new to the area you live in and don’t really know what to expect when the rains come. The best way to find out the level of your flood risk is to have your insurance agent perform a risk profile.
If you’d like further information about flood insurance or your need coverage, contact a customer service representative for information and a quote.
