Flood Insurance Matters More Than You Think
Most homeowners assume their standard homeowners policy will cover flood damage, but that’s one of the most common and costly misconceptions in insurance. Flooding is not covered under a typical homeowners or renters insurance policy, and with weather events becoming more unpredictable each year, flood insurance is something every property owner and renter should consider.
What Exactly Is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance provides protection against losses caused by rising water – whether from heavy rain, melting snow, storm surges, or overflowing rivers and creeks. It covers damage to your home’s structure and your personal belongings when water enters from outside and causes destruction.
At Meixell-Diehl Insurance, we help homeowners and renters find affordable coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and several private insurers to ensure peace of mind, even when the water rises.
Why You Need Flood Insurance — Even If You Don’t Live in a “Flood Zone”
About 25% of all flood insurance claims come from areas considered low-to-moderate risk. Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, and Pennsylvania has experienced record rainfall and flash floods in recent years.
A single inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, walls, and personal property. Without flood coverage, you’d pay for those losses entirely out of pocket.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Flood policies can include two main types of protection:
- Building Property Coverage – covers the structure, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, appliances, and built-in features like cabinets or paneling.
- Personal Property Coverage – covers your furniture, clothing, electronics, and valuables inside the home above the basement level.
Renters can purchase contents-only flood insurance to protect their belongings, even if they don’t own the building.
Affordable Protection for Peace of Mind
Flood insurance may be more affordable than you think. If you are not in a flood-prone area with a mortgage requirement for flood insurance, a policy could be just several hundred dollars per year depending on your location, elevation, and coverage limits. When you compare that to the cost of repairing the damage after a flood, it’s a small investment for big protection.
Why Work With Meixell-Diehl Insurance
At Meixell-Diehl Insurance, our team helps clients throughout Pennsylvania understand their true risk. We’ll help you:
- Determine if your property lies in or near a flood-prone area.
- Calculate the replacement cost of your property and belongings.
- Find a flood policy that fits your coverage needs and budget.
- Review your options for private flood coverage and NFIP policies.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Floods can strike with little warning. Once a storm is on the way, it’s often too late to buy coverage as most policies have a 30-day waiting period before taking effect. Protect your home and your peace of mind today! Contact us for more information on the perfect policy for you.