Each year, more properties within flood
plains are destroyed by flooding than by fire.
Changing weather patterns, increased urban
development, and the leveling of forests have
reduced the land's natural ability to absorb
water. As flooding becomes a common occurrence,
property owners need to face the facts -- Everyone
lives in a flood plain. Flood damage can happen
anytime, no matter where you live.
A
Homeowner Policy Doesn't Cover
Flooding
Property owners know a Homeowners policy
covers fire damage, but most don't realize that it
won't cover flood or mudslide damage. Rising
waters and debris can destroy your home, business,
and personal belongings within minutes. If you
don't have the coverage, you have nowhere to turn
for help.
Federal
Assistance is Difficult to Obtain
Most floods don't
qualify for federal disaster aid. Only floods that
are declared national disasters by the President
qualify for federal assistance. This assistance is
in the form of a grant averaging less than $2,500,
or a federal loan that must be paid back with
interest. That loan is in addition to payments on
your existing mortgage loan.
Flood
Damage is a Growing Problem
As more flooding
occurs throughout the country, the cost of
rebuilding is skyrocketing. Floods now cause more
than $2 billion in property damage each year.
That's your tax money being used to help thousands
of flood victims across the country. There is an
answer -- Flood insurance.
Flood Insurance Puts You in
Control
Only Flood insurance protects your home
and your belongings from rising water or mudflow.
Flood insurance is available for the structure,
minus the land value. Contents coverage is also
available, but is optional and must be requested.
Even if you've had previous flooding, you can
still buy Flood insurance. If you've received
disaster assistance before, you must first obtain
Flood insurance to be eligible for future federal
relief. Mortgaged properties within Special Flood
Hazard Areas are required to maintain Flood
insurance for the life of the loan.
Flood
Insurance Costs Less than Flood
Damage
The average Flood policy is only $324 a
year -- that's less than $1 a day. Compare that to
a typical disaster loan of $50,000, costing more
than $300 a month for over 18 years! Flood
insurance pays all covered claims even if a
federal disaster is not declared. Claims are paid
quickly so victims can recover faster. You can
even get a partial payment right away to get
started. Flood coverage is available up to
$250,000 for your home, and up to $100,000 for the
contents.
Flood
Insurance is Easy to Buy
Anyone can buy
flood insurance if his or her property is located
in a community that participates in the National
Flood Insurance Program. Homes, condos,
apartments, and business structures are all
eligible. Even renters may purchase flood
insurance for their possessions. Since Flood
premiums are set by the US Government, your rate
is the same from any insurer. Premiums are due on
an annual basis.
Don't Wait for
Disaster to Strike
Over 90 percent of all
US natural disasters include flooding. The best
time to buy flood protection is now. Flood
insurance claims are paid by policyholder
premiums, not taxpayer dollars. Flood insurance is
the best way to protect yourself and reduce the
cost of flood disasters. There is a 30-day waiting
period on most new Flood policies, so contact us
now for more details.
Bretz Insurance Agency
456 W Main St Suite N
Mesa, AZ 85201