Top myths about flood insurance

As most Palm Coast, FL residents know, it is critical to carry flood insurance to protect against financial loss. However, many myths surrounding flood insurance can leave people with no coverage or not enough coverage. All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School agents have put together the top myths about flood insurance. 

My homeowners’ insurance covers flooding. 

So many people make this mistake due to their homeowners’ policy providing coverage for water damage. However, the coverage for water damage only covers events like a burst pipe and not damage caused by a flood. Therefore, if you want flood insurance, you must purchase it separately. 

I do not need coverage because my lender does not require it. 

Banks typically only require that flood insurance be carried as a condition of the loan if the home is located in a certain flood zone. However, just because you are not in a flood zone does not mean you are immune from flooding. Flooding is becoming more and more common and can happen anywhere. 

I can wait for a big storm to come and purchase it right before 

Waiting to purchase a flood policy until you know of a storm that could cause flooding is another big mistake homeowners make. Most insurance carriers have a 30-day waiting period to avoid this type of scenario. If you think you may need flood insurance, you should purchase it now. 

The flood insurance I purchase through the federal government is enough coverage. 

The federal flood insurance program only offers coverage up to $250,000. If your home is worth more than that, it is important to consider additional limits to protect you fully in the event of a flood. 

If you would like to learn more about flood insurance, reach out to an agent at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today. We proudly serve the Palm Coast, FL area. 

How Florida Residents Flood Insurance Policies Vary According To Their Flood Zone

All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School assists the Palm Coast, FL community. We offer our clients policies to help ensure that they have stability in their lives. We treat our clients like family, so we will be there when their needs change. We can help you find the coverage that you have been looking for.

How Flood Zones Impact Policies

As a Palm Coast, FL resident, you are aware that the state is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, and other natural disasters that are capable of causing severe flooding. For this reason, flood insurance is essential. Flood insurance covers your personal items and residence if severe flooding moves through the area and causes damage. Flood insurance can alleviate some stress during an uncertain time. The type of flood coverage that you need may change based on the flood zone that you reside in.

If you reside in Zone B or C, the likelihood of serious flood damage in the area is minimal. If you reside in Zone A, you may not witness consistent flooding, but there is a very good chance that a tropical storm will move through the area once every few years. AR Zones are always at risk because there is a dam nearby. Zone V is considered the most high-risk area in the state. Flooding occurs in this area on a regular basis. You should look for full coverage on your property. Also, keep in mind that flood insurance policies contain a grace period. Don’t wait until a few days before a storm arrives to find coverage.

All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School Will Help You Stay Safe

Visit our website to learn more information about flood insurance.

Why would someone want flood insurance in Florida?

The Palm Coast, FL area continues to be a popular place for anyone to visit or live in during the year. If you are going to move to this area of Florida and buy a property, you will want to know that your important asset continues to be properly protected with insurance. A great way that you can protect your home is through a flood insurance policy. There are a few different reasons why someone would want to get flood insurance coverage here. 

Insurance Protects Property

A key reason that you will want flood insurance in this area of Florida is that it can protect your home. Flood damage is a risk that all people need to consider and protect against. For many in this area, the protection received through a home insurance plan is limited. When you get a full flood insurance policy, you will get the protection needed to properly cover your home. 

Insurance is Often Required

You should also want to get flood insurance because it is often a requirement. Those that are in Palm Coast could be obligated to carry flood insurance if they are in a flood zone. Most mortgage lenders will only provide financing in these situations if their client continues to carry a full flood insurance policy. 

In the Palm Coast, FL area, getting proper insurance for your home is important. For many, this includes getting flood insurance. If you are wondering about your flood insurance needs, you should speak with All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. The insurance team with All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School understands how important the coverage is. They can then evaluate your situation and help you build a plan that will give the proper coverage for your situation. 

What does flood insurance cover

Floods are an all too common occurrence these days. You don’t have to live along the banks of the Mississippi River or in coastal areas to be in danger. If you are a homeowner who believes your home is protected from flood damage by your home insurance, you are in for a shock. Home insurance does not cover floods. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we understand the damage floods can cause to homes in Florida and we aim to provide the best service and insurance products available. 

The National Flood Insurance Program is offered by FEMA through a network of carriers. It is sold in two parts, building and contents. You can purchase one or both, it is up to you. The price is fixed by the government depending on your risk level so you can choose any carrier that offers flood insurance and the price will be the same. Your community must participate in the NFIP in order for you to be eligible. 

Building

The building coverage covers the physical structure of the home. This includes the walls, roof, foundation, detached garage, and staircases. Anything that is permanently attached to the home is covered by this part of the insurance, built-in bookcases, kitchen cabinets, and appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and built-in dishwasher. It also includes the major systems in the house, the electrical, the heating and cooling, and the plumbing. Coverage is capped at $250,000. 

Contents 

This includes all your personal items, clothes,  smaller appliances, washer and dryer, furniture portable air conditioners or heaters, freezer, and the food in it. The cap on personal property is $100,000. 

At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL, we are happy to help you to get flood insurance to protect you home. You can call us at our office or stop by for a free quote. 

Why should someone get flood insurance?

Buying a home in the Palm Coast, FL area is a great idea for many people. If you are going to purchase a home in this area of Florida, it is very important that you carefully consider all of your insurance needs. One form of insurance that many people here need is flood insurance. There are several reasons why someone should get flood insurance here. 

Required by Mortgage Lender

One reason that someone should get a flood insurance policy is that it can be required by a mortgage lender. If you have a home that is located in a flood zone, there is a good chance that your mortgage lender will require that you maintain flood insurance. In many situations, they will need you to escrow payments on a monthly basis to ensure you stay current. 

Provides Valuable Coverage

Those that are concerned about flood damage in their area should get coverage simply for the protection it provides. If there is ever a bad flood in your area, it could be devastating for your home. To ensure that you are properly covered for this risk and potential damage, you should make sure that you get a full flood insurance policy. 

If you are looking for flood insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area, you should call All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to discuss your needs. Picking a flood insurance policy is never easy but the team at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School can make it easier for you. When you speak with the team here, you are going to learn a lot more about how flood insurance can protect you and your home. They can then help you choose a policy that gives you the right coverage and peace of mind. 

How Do You Ensure You Have The Right Amount Of Flood Insurance?

Several different types of insurance are meant to protect a home or personal property. One particular type is part of a national government program to protect homeowners from damages related to flooding in a variety of scenarios. Flood insurance can be the layer of coverage to allow you to pick up the pieces and get back to normal when nature takes a turn for the worse.

Flood Insurance Protection

Flood insurance will cover structural damages to the covered items listed on the policy, which can include personal items as well. Before buying flood insurance, it’s essential to know precisely what level of coverage you need. To properly make a selection, work with a licensed insurance agent who knows the ins and outs of flood insurance policies. They can explain critical details that you need to be aware of before signing the policy. 

Agents are There to Help

Flood insurance is a unique type of insurance coverage that has many terms and conditions to be aware of before you make a purchase. Your insurance agent can explain all of the fine print and important points of interest so you can be a more educated buyer. Anyone who is currently searching for flood insurance in the Palm Coast, FL area can rely on All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School to provide them with the coverage and guidance they need to get the right protection for their situation.

Get the assistance you need to get essential flood insurance to protect your home and property. Call or stop by the office of All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today for more details and to schedule a consultation. Residents of Palm Coast, FL can get the peace of mind they need with flood insurance coverage. 

Is the Flood Water Really Rising Across America?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the governmental agency responsible for maintaining and updating the floodplain maps that are used across America to determine the areas that are in flood zones.

In the areas that are officially flood zones, which have a high risk of flooding, mortgage lenders and government-backed FHA loan programs require that a homeowner carry flood insurance. Your agent at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School serving the Palm Coast, FL area can help you get flood insurance, which meets these requirements. The problem is that these flood zones are no longer accurate.

In recent years, flooding occurred in many parts of the U.S. that had never seen any flooding like that before. Homes that were many miles outside flood zones were awash with water when river banks overflowed in record amounts during the past few years.

Many 500-Year Floods in a Few Years

All of this record flooding is due to the severe weather pattern changes that are happening. How bad is it?

FEMA has the designations on the flood zone maps of 100-year flood zones and 500-year flood zones. In a 100-year flood zone, there is one chance in a hundred (1%) each year of having a flood. In a 500-year zone, which has no requirement to carry flood insurance, there is only a 0.2% chance of having a flood each year. Sounds safe from floods, right?

Houston had three 500-year floods within three years. That is one 500-year flood each year. Homes that never had seen flood waters got hit by them for the first time, and then it happened again and again. Is that bad luck? Probably not. It likely means the maps are no longer useful in predicting flooding.

Summary

The message to everyone in Florida is that you need flood insurance for your home. Even if your mortgage lender does not require it, you probably should have it anyway.

Contact your agent at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL to get a quote for flood insurance.

What Is Flood Insurance and Why Do I need It?

If you are a Florida resident, then you’ve likely heard of flood insurance, but whether or not you are required to have it largely depends on what flood zone your home lies in. Whether you are in Palm Coast, FL or the Florida Keys, flood insurance is a reality in the state.

What is Flood Insurance?

Flood Insurance covers homes for losses due to water damage and specifically flooding. While any dwelling can be covered by additional flood insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency maps flood zones throughout the country to determine what areas are at the highest risk of damage from floods. They require flood insurance to be purchased at the time of a mortgage issuance. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Florida?

If the flood zone maps from FEMA indicate that your home is located in a flood zone designated with an A or V, you will likely need to purchase flood insurance. However, homes in an X, C, or B flood zone are at a lower risk of flooding and may not be required to have additional coverage. However, even for Florida homes where flood insurance is not required, it may not be a bad idea to at least explore your coverage options. Talking through your options with a qualified insurance company like All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL will help you make an educated decision. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The pricing of the policy is mostly determined by the zone in which the property resides. It also includes other factors like the number of floors and the age of the home. At All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School, we’ll work with you to shop for the best rate that fits your needs.

 

 

Is Flood Insurance Still Necessary Even If The Home Is Outside Of Any Flood Zones?

When you live in Flagler County, you know that a little bit of rain can cause big problems when it comes to flooding. Even if you don’t live right on the water, you may experience significant amounts of water around your home. This is when it’s important to determine whether flood insurance is necessary or not. Rather than trying to make decisions on your own, you can work with us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School in Palm Coast, FL.

FEMA Flood Zones

The first thing you want to do is find out whether you are in a FEMA-identified flood zone. These zones can change from year to year based on where flooding occurs. If you are in one of the zones, flood insurance is required above and beyond your homeowner’s insurance policy.

However, even if you aren’t in a flood zone, it may still be a good idea for you to have flood insurance.

Consider Flood Damage

If you live in a neighborhood where there is a significant amount of flooding, either due to grading or drainage issues, you need to be realistic about whether you need flood insurance or not. After a few days of rain, you may have a significant amount of water around your home. Some of this water can enter your home, too, causing serious water damage.

When you have flood insurance in place, it’s easier to file a claim. This way, you aren’t financially responsible for any water damage. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may even require you to have flood damage if you live in an area where a number of people have had to file claims in the past.

Contact us at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School today to learn more about flood insurance. We can help you get a policy that you can rely on in Palm Coast, FL.

 

Do You Always Need Year-Round Coverage for a Motorhome?

RVs are an amazing resource for relaxing, having fun and seeing the country. When they’re motorized, they can give a unique level of freedom. That freedom might come with a bit more responsibility. When it comes to insuring a motorhome against normal risks in Wixom, MI, there are a few tricks you might want to know. That’s why America’s Choice Insurance Partners are providing this tip on seasonal motorhome coverage.

Part-Time vs Full-Time

The first distinction that has to be made for RV insurance is how often you live in it. Plenty of people only “live” in the RV while they’re on vacations, but it’s not uncommon for individuals to make the motorhome the “always” home. Obviously, an always home needs year-round coverage. As for the part-timers, not all policies look as accommodating on the surface as they turn out to be.

Part-timer’s insurance is a common delineation for recreational motorhomes. It accounts for the fact that the majority of your nights each year will not be in the RV, and the cost of the policy reflects that. Some policies are designed around seasonal usage, but most take that seasonal price and simply split it into an annual price. In other words, part-timer’s insurance usually costs much less than full-timers, but you might still make 12 monthly payments on it.

Rules of the Road

The biggest reason for this arrangement is to insure you have proper liability on the road. Since a motorhome drives on roads, state laws treat it like any other vehicle. It needs that minimum car insurance, and that is usually rolled into your RV policy. A part-timer plan will set you up with everything you need to safely enjoy the motorhome.

Of course, there are always more options out there. If you want to make sure you have the right policy available in Wixom, MI, talk to your America’s Choice Insurance Partners agent today.