Sarasota, Pinellas, and Manatee County Flood Insurance
According to FEMA, the highest ranked national disaster in the United states is flooding. Many homeowners in Florida are surprised to learn their homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding events. That’s right: Most homeowners policies won’t cover flood damage.
This fact puts residents along or near Florida’s Gulf Coast in a difficult position. For coastal residents and others who live in flood-prone areas, proper flood coverage isn’t optional—it’s an absolute must.
How Does Typical Home Insurance Define ‘Flooding?’
If a pipe in your home busted and flooded your floor, would it be considered a “flooding event” and thus, not reimbursed by your homeowner’s policy? Or would it be covered?
If you answered, “Yes, this event should be covered under my home insurance policy” (or something similar), you’re correct. A flooded floor or other water damage to the home caused by a busted pipe (or even a malfunctioning appliance) would likely be covered by a typical homeowners insurance policy.
What kinds of events then, are classified as “flooding” and are thus not covered under a standard home insurance policy? Obviously, a heavy rainfall event wherein water rose into your home would be considered flooding.
However, other kinds of damage classified as “flood damage” under standard home insurance and flood insurance policies aren’t quite so obvious. In other words, your house doesn’t need to flood with rainwater to sustain “flood damage.” As specified in typical homeowners and flood insurance policies, flood damage also includes:
• Rain damage
• Storm surge damage
• Mud damage
It’s a guarantee that your existing home insurance (or any home policy you’re considering for purchase) won’t cover the above events.
Where Can I Buy Flood Insurance in Florida?
The overwhelming majority of flood insurance policies across the US—including in Florida—are sold under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To purchase FEMA flood insurance, you must go through an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency. Llewellyn Insurance services has sold flood insurance through NFIP for many years.
What type of Florida Flood Insurance Do I Need?
Our dedicated Flood Team at Llewellyn Insurance Services will work with you to determine the Flood Zone for your Home and explain ways that you may be able to lower your Cost of Flood Insurance. We can determine the correct amount of coverage for your property and provide options from multiple Flood Insurance Companies in the sunshine state.
NFIP flood insurance policies come in two types:
Standard Flood Insurance
These policies are designed for residents who live in communities with an active and ongoing flood management plan. Such communities must also be able to demonstrate that they have enacted certain NFIP guidelines to reduce flood-based damages.
Preferred Risk Flood Insurance
These policies are designed for residents who live in communities with an active and ongoing flood management plan. Such communities must also be able to demonstrate that they have enacted certain NFIP guidelines to reduce flood-based damages.
Llewellyn Insurance Services Sells FEMA Flood Insurance
If you’re shopping for flood insurance in St. Petersburg, Florida, we’d love to hear from you! As an NFIP-Direct-affiliated agency, we can help you find and purchase an appropriate flood insurance policy.
We’re glad to speak with you about flood insurance and to answer all your questions too. For a free flood insurance quote, call Llewellyn Insurance Services today at 727-894-5555.
(727) 894-5555. For a free online flood insurance quote, fill out the quote form on this page. We look forward to working with you.