Rainy Season in Florida Brings Flooding Hazards

Keep those umbrellas and raincoats close by because we are not even halfway through the rainy season. Florida’s official rainy season runs from May 15 through October 15, and the state usually receives about 70% of its yearly rainfall during this time. Being a homeowner in a state with the title of being the largest coastal flooding threat in the country, you should strongly consider purchasing flood insurance.

Don’t delay—call your agent for a flood policy. They take 30 days to be in effect!

Rain Brings Floods

Although rain can feel relieving once it breaks up the hot summer temperatures, too much rainfall can lead to flooding. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the country. Just 1 inch of rain entering your home can cause up to $25,000 of damage. If the unfortunate happened, paying water damage fees out of pocket would be quite difficult.

Know Where You Live

Florida is considered a peninsula with more than 7,500 lakes and about 12,000 miles of rivers and streams stretching throughout the state. That said, mostly all households are within a short distance of some kind of water. This causes a flood risk anywhere in the state; anywhere it rains, there is a potential flooding hazard. Since nowhere is free of floods, you want to ensure that your home is protected. Use FEMA’s map service center to see if you live in a high-risk flood zone or not. Even if your house is not located in a high-risk flood zone, you should still purchase flood insurance; 25% of the overall amount of flood claims comes from moderate and low-risk flood areas.

Keep In Mind

Homeowner’s insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Homeowners insurance only provides coverage to floods when there has been damage to your home from a hurricane or tropical storm and water leaks in. Flooding from heavy rain or overflowing from a nearby creek or river is only covered by flood insurance. Another thing you want to keep in mind is that flood insurance takes 30 days for your policy to be put into effect. Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase flood insurance!

Protect Your Home

Most of Florida is at or near sea level causing flooding to be a common problem. The damage from these floods can be critical leading to paying costly unexpected payments out of your own pocket. Flood insurance is far less expensive than paying these unavoidable damages. Having a flood insurance policy is the best way to be prepared in the case of a flood.

Don’t Delay! Call your Agent today.