How Does a Disaster Declaration Affect Flood Insurance?

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.

How Long Does it Take to Get Flood Insurance?

Why Planning Ahead For Flood Insurance is Vital

Recent news has highlighted an increase in flooding across the nation, some even occurring in areas previously deemed safe from such disasters. External factors such as climate change, rising water levels, and urban developments contribute to this surge. In Alabama, the impact of heavy rainfall and exposure to tropical systems and hurricanes have always been a concern. As a result, at Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we have noticed a growing interest in inquiries and quotes for flood insurance.

One important aspect to remember about flood insurance is that it doesn’t come into effect immediately. Here’s what you need to know:

Forethought and Preparation are Key

Acquiring flood insurance isn’t as simple as deciding to buy it. There’s an application to be filled out and a price quote to be generated. Once you’ve decided to purchase the insurance, a waiting period begins.

Applicants should be aware that flood insurance doesn’t take effect immediately. Typically, a 30-day waiting period is imposed from the day of purchase until the coverage is fully in place. This means you won’t be able to buy flood insurance in response to imminent weather warnings for storms or tropical systems.

How We Can Assist

Robinson Insurance Group LLC can guide you if you are contemplating flood insurance. We can answer your queries, assist with the application process, help you obtain a price quote, and put your coverage into effect.

Whether you reside along the Alabama coast or further north, contact Robinson Insurance Group LLC today for your insurance needs.

Flood Insurance FAQs: All you need to know

Each year, people in Alabama have to deal with the same thing – flooding. Flooding causes thousands and thousands of dollars of damage. That is why more and more people think about getting flood insurance. If you are one of those homeowners, keep on reading this blog post with the answers to the most common questions about flood insurance: 

1. Do you need flood insurance if you have home insurance? 

The short answer is yes. The reason is that home insurance does not cover flood damage.

2. Do you need flood insurance if you do not live near the water?

If you do not live near the water, you are not required to carry flood insurance. However, there is still a chance that you will be affected by a flood at least once within 30 years. 

3. What does flood insurance cover?

Typically, flood insurance covers debris removal, cleanup, and repairs you need after a flood. It pays for water damage from different events, such as storms, heavy rains, broken pipes, and flash floods. However, every policy is different, so discussing coverage and your insurance needs with an insurance agent is better. 

Do you live in the state of Alabama and are considering buying flood insurance to protect your property and personal belongings? Then, feel free to reach out to Robinson Insurance Group LLC, a local insurance company that works with clients throughout Alabama. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we will be able to answer all of your questions and help you find the best policy according to your needs and budget. 

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance in Alabama

It is very important for residents of Alabama to understand the difference between flood insurance and regular home insurance. After all, the state is sadly quite susceptible to the flash flooding associated with the severe weather that occurs often in the Deep South. There are critical distinctions, however, and at Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we believe they should be made clear.

Flood Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance 

Homeowners’ insurance is a policy that usually covers damages caused by fire and some natural disasters, though this usually does not include flooding. Theft is also typically covered under such a policy.

That means vulnerable Alabama citizens will need to add flood coverage if they want to remain protected. Flood insurance policies specifically address the financial devastation left in the aftermath of a flooding event. These can be caused by tropical storms and hurricanes, or even the heavy rains that affect the area each summer. These policies are usually provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, and they cover both structural and property damage. That means your home itself is covered, as well as its contents. Some policies even cover the cost of temporary housing if relocation is necessary due to flooding.

Interestingly, if you have water damage that resulted from a roof leak or a burst pipe, your homeowners’ insurance should cover the cost of remediation. It won’t, however, take care of any damage incurred due to storm surges, rising rivers, or any other natural water event. That is why it is crucial for Alabama homeowners in low-lying areas to consider flood insurance in addition to their regular home insurance.

We Are Here To Help

Just remember, that unlike homeowners’ insurance, which is often required by banks as a prerequisite for mortgage approval, flood insurance is only mandated by the local and federal government if your home is located in a designated flood zone.

That being said, it is a wise idea to get coverage before an unexpected weather event affects you and your family. Give us a call at Robinson Insurance Group LLC, or stop by today, to discuss your options with an experienced agent.

Does everyone in Alabama need food insurance?

Do you know if you live in a floodplain? There is an easy way to check in Alabama. The government provides information about special flood areas and what kinds of hazards you might face if you live there. 

If you live in a floodplain, you may already know about it if you have a government mortgage. With certain kinds of loans, you need to purchase flood protection for as long as you owe. However, your location in a flood plain doesn’t tell the whole story. At Robinson Insurance Group LLC, we can help you make sure your Alabama and business are protected.

Why Would Someone Need Flood Insurance If Not Living In a Floodplain?

Water damage is expensive, often costing at least tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, standard property insurance usually excludes flood damage. Flood zones can change, and your area may even be affected by new developments around you. Even within flood zones, there are different levels of risk. 

The worst part is that your new flood protection may not protect you right away. Many policies do not go into effect for the first 30 days. That means that you can’t wait until you see disaster coming before getting a flood insurance policy.

We Can Answer Your Questions

This area of insurance can be confusing because most people have never had to deal with it before. If you think that you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for the damages caused by flooding, it costs nothing to speak with us at Robinson Insurance Group LLC about what your actual risks are. We can help you assess your needs based on where you are located and what the area is like. Protect your Alabama home today so you have one less thing to worry about tomorrow.

How do I find out what flood zone I live in?

Living in a flood-prone area in Alabama can be challenging, especially if you are not aware of the flood zones in your locality. Flood zones categorize areas based on their flood risk level. Robinson Insurance Group LLC explains how to find your flood zone and what it means.

How do I find out what flood zone I live in?

When it comes to finding out what flood zone you live in, the first thing you need to do is to check with your insurance agent. They can provide detailed flood maps showing the flood zones in your locality. Alternatively, you can head to the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website and use their Flood Map Service Center to find out which flood zone you live in. All you need to do is enter your address, and the tool will show you the flood zones in your area.

Once you know what flood zone you live in, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the risks. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance covers damage caused by floodwater and can provide peace of mind knowing you are protected in a flood. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have an evacuation plan, so you know what to do in a flood emergency.

We Can Help!

Understanding flood zones is essential for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their property from the devastating effects of a flood. Once you know your flood zone, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks, such as purchasing flood insurance, having an evacuation plan, and elevating your Alabama property. Contact Robinson Insurance Group LLC for more details on flood insurance today.

Three myths about flood insurance

Getting flood insurance is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself financially as a property owner. Robinson Insurance Group LLC can assist you with your flood insurance needs for your Alabama home.

Being well-informed is the first step to getting yourself financially protected against flood damage costs. Unfortunately, there are some myths that many consumers believe about flood insurance.

The following are three myths to be aware of regarding flood insurance:

Homeowners don’t need flood insurance if they don’t live in flood zones.

Floods can happen anywhere. You shouldn’t assume that your home is never going to be damaged by a flood just because you don’t live in a flood zone. 

Many homeowners need flood insurance even though their home is not located in an area that is typically associated with flooding. 

It’s not possible to acquire flood insurance for a property that has experienced flood damage in the past.

Homeowners may still be able to find flood insurance coverage even if their home has been flooded before. However, homeowners might need to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program in this situation. 

You don’t need flood insurance because you’ll be reimbursed through federal disaster assistance in the event of a flood.

It’s true that federal disaster assistance provides some reimbursement for homeowners who experience flooding. However, you cannot depend on this because federal disaster assistance is only provided to homeowners for about 50 percent of flooding incidents that occur. 

Contact Us Today

When you are ready to buy flood insurance in Alabama, we are here to help you at Robinson Insurance Group LLC. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll provide you with a quote on a flood insurance policy for your property. 

High Risk Flood Areas in Alabama

Flooding can happen suddenly or over time, but the consistent fact is that floods cause damage. Some areas of Alabama will have a higher risk than others, making your preventive measures even more important when flood season hits. Alabama is served by experts at Robinson Group LLC who understand flood risk. Learn more about flooding in your area.

The Alabama Areas with the Highest Flood Risk

You’ll find higher risks of flooding near four of the larger Alabama metros. Areas to the west of Huntsville, in a swath from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham, the western side of Montgomery, and the Mobile area near the Gulf coast. The good news is the annual chance of flood in these areas tends to be less than 4 inches of water at the time of flooding, but the data shows some spots may get as high as 8 inches of flood or more in a year.

While these metros represent the current data, that doesn’t mean other addresses in Alabama are immune from flood risk, only that we don’t yet have the data to better calculate these risks. As always, it’s best to be prepared.

Choosing Flood Insurance Based on Risk

Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners, and renters too. If you are in an area with a low flood risk you may be content with basic property damage coverage. If you are in an area of higher risk, consider a comprehensive flood insurance policy that can also include liability and coverage against loss of use or loss of business if you need to relocate while things get cleaned up. 

Contact Us Today

Check with the Alabama flood insurance professionals at Robinson Group LLC to tailor your policy to meet your unique location needs. Get a quote today.