Remember last year in November when it seemed like the whole state of Missouri was underwater? We do too. It was reported by the University of Missouri Climate Center as the wettest November on record for Missouri.  The average monthly total of rainfall was nearly 8 inches, 5 inches above normal.

With all of that water, flooding and water damage was inevitable. Fortunately for our clients, many them were covered by their flood insurance plans, making the water disaster a little less nasty.

US Precipitation Ranks Graphic

Notice, Missouri had the record wettest November last year. This graphic can be found on the National Centers for Environmental Information- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is something a lot of people don’t think about.  They don’t realize flood and water damage is not covered under homeowners insurance. Your basement is dry and you don’t live in a flood zone (at least that’s what you think) so, do you really need flood insurance? Let’s talk it through.

Who needs flood insurance?

Although you may not realize it, you live in a flood zone, everyone does. Some people are just closer to water and at a higher risk than others. FEMA reported that more than 20 percent of claims are made from areas outside of mapped, high risk, flood zones.

Floods aren’t always caused by rivers and lakes. Broken dams and levees, backed up storm drains and broken water mains can also cause flooding. At Kasmann Insurance Agency, we work with our clients to develop a coverage package to protect them under most circumstances.

What do I need to know about flood insurance?

Flood insurance has to be purchased through FEMA. At Kasmann Insurance, we have carriers that team up with FEMA providing flood insurance programs, including Progressive Home Advantage. You can buy flood insurance any time, but there is a standard 30 day wait period before the coverage goes into effect. That’s why it’s important to buy the insurance before disaster strikes, so you’re covered and not left stranded and sopping wet.

Unfortunately flood insurance does NOT cover every leak in your roof or basement.  It only covers water damages if there is a “partial or complete inundation of two or more acres, normally dry land or of two or more properties.”

As for pricing, it depends on your home’s location and risk of flooding. Plans vary from low risk at a minimum of $162 a year, to high risk upwards of $3,000 a year.

Tips to Help Protect You Against Floods

Besides having flood insurance, we suggest using these tips:

  • Make sure the slope of your yard directs water away from your home.
  • Install a sump pump with a battery-backup system, and test it every year.
  • Keep drains, downspouts and gutters free of debris.
  • Extend downspouts away from your home or building.
  • Have a licensed electrician raise electrical outlets at least 12 inches above the expected flood levels for your area.
  • Develop a family emergency plan with an evacuation kit that includes important documents, in case you’re forced to leave your home.

Insure with the people you trust.

We want our customers to know we have their best outcome in mind when looking at needs and pricing for flood insurance. We don’t want you and your family to pay for flood and water damage out of pocket, just in case the downpour from November decides to strike again this spring! If you have any questions about flood insurance and water damage, or if you want to get an estimate on what flood insurance can save you, feel free to contact our office. We’re only a phone call away!

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