Doubleday Insurance Agency Blog

     I don't live in a flood zone, so I don't need flood insurance?  Right?  Wrong!

     According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the number 1 disaster in the country.  If a homeowner lives in a high hazard flood zone and has a mortgage, the homeowner is REQUIRED to carry flood insurance.  Other areas are considered moderate to low hazard flood zones.  Most homes in these areas are not required to carry flood insurance, however, FEMA reports that nearly 25 percent of all flood claims come from moderate to low flood risk areas.  Iowa home insurance clients should understand that homeowners policies DO NOT cover flood damage, but flood insurance is available in most communities.  Water backup in your basement from sump pump failure or sewer backup can be covered for additional premium.  And those premiums have risen dramatically in the past few years due to heavy useage in Iowa. 

     Surface water coming into your home through basement windows is not covered unless you have a Flood policy.

     Water coming into your home through basement walls or basement floor cracks is also not covered under an Iowa Homeowners policy.  To have any coverage here also you would need a Flood insurance policy. 

     The cost of a flood policy for a $250,000 home in our area (Ankeny) is about $400 a year.  That's a lot of money for one peril but it's not a lot of money after you've suffered a serious flood loss.  Think about it and call us.