Flood Insurance

Even if you don’t live near water, flooding can still cause significant – even devastating – damage to your home and property.  Many people believe your homeowners insurance covers such damage, but that is not so.  You need separate insurance to protect against a flood.  Here at Bethesda General Insurance Agency in Silver Spring, Maryland, we know the guidelines and we can help you build the right flood insurance policy for your situation, whether you live in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC.

Flood insurance will protect you from losses incurred by flood damage to your home and belongings.  It is available to you whether you are a homeowner or a renter.  In fact, if you own a home located in a designated flood zone and you have a mortgage, your bank might require you to carry a flood insurance policy.  Standard homeowners, condo and renters insurance do not cover flooding.

Flood insurance is available through our agency, from a few private insurers as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Even if you do not live in a designated flood zone, you should consider securing a flood insurance policy if your home and possessions are at risk from melting snow, overflowing creeks, ponds, etc.

You should plan to purchase your flood insurance policy well before flooding danger exists.  There is at least a 30-day waiting period from the time you purchase the policy to the date it is effective.

Flood insurance covers all types of homes and condos.  It will replace the structure of your home to what it was before the flood damage.  It will also pay for your possessions at a depreciated amount. Renters are covered for possessions only.

If your home has been improved with a furnished, finished basement, those improvements are not covered by the NFIP policy.  However, appliances and fixtures typically found in an unfinished basement will usually be covered.

If you are a victim of a flood and your area is declared a major disaster by the President, then federal aid could be available.

Don’t wait until the water starts to rise.  Get the details now.  For more information about FEMA and NFIP, visit www.fema.gov, or speak with one of our capable agents, experienced in the options and coverage choices of flood insurance who can help you get the answers you need to create just the right policy for your needs so contact us today  to discuss how we can help.

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