Experiencing a flood can be devastating. Sometimes, when flooding occurs, a disaster is declared; other times, it is not. When flooding happens in Alabama, it’s important to understand how a disaster declaration can affect your flood insurance.

Flood Insurance and Disaster Declaration: What It Means

A particular area is declared a disaster when the governor of that state requests an official disaster declaration from the president. An official disaster declaration is required to receive flood money from FEMA. It’s important to note that FEMA requires anyone receiving FEMA assistance in Alabama to buy flood insurance to protect against future flooding.

However, a disaster declaration does not need to be declared to receive money from a private insurance company. This is an extremely important difference. If you don’t have private flood insurance and your area is not declared a disaster by the government, you are likely responsible for all damage to your home and belongings.

Why It’s Important to Select Private Flood Insurance

There are different types of flood insurance available. One is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offered through FEMA. This is sometimes less expensive than private insurance but is less flexible, and options are limited. You would also have to wait 30 days before the NFIP takes effect. Private flood insurance is usually broader and provides more options, and the waiting period is sometimes shorter than 30 days.

At Robinson Insurance Group LLC in Alabama, we can offer you flood insurance that meets your individual needs. Since 2003, our agency has been working with multiple carriers to provide various insurance options. You’ll want to talk with us about purchasing private flood insurance. Contact us at the Robinson Insurance Group LLC today.