Published by Sherelyn Yetter Schoch on October 8, 2024
Let’s address the elephant in the room—we’re all in a flood zone! Sure, some of us face a higher risk than others, but the reality is that recent events have shown us just how quickly water can wreak havoc, even in areas that haven’t seen flooding in ages. Entire communities have been devastated by floods, leaving many to wonder: what can we do to minimize the financial fallout from such disasters?
At the end of this post, I’ll share insights from my friend Chris Greene, known as The Flood Insurance Guru. His team handles a significant portion of our flood servicing here at the office, and they have the expertise and resources to help you navigate these waters.
What is a flood?
FEMA defines a flood simply as:
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land or of two or more properties (at least one of which belongs to the policyholder) due to:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
- Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) caused by flooding, resembling a river of liquid and flowing mud; or
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water due to erosion or undermining from waves or currents that exceed expected cyclical levels.
Pretty straightforward, right? If there’s water—or a lot of mud—where there used to be two properties of dry land, it’s a flood. If your five acres of dry land suddenly turns into a wet or muddy mess, guess what? That’s a flood.
What is a flood zone?
A flood zone is a designated area on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map, indicating the likelihood of flooding. These zones categorize risk levels: if your property is in a high-risk area, it’ll start with an “A” or a “V,” and your lender will require flood insurance. If you’re in a moderate to low-risk area, marked with a “B,” “C,” or “X,” your lender may not mandate insurance—but don’t be fooled! You still have a flood risk, and it’s wise to consider getting flood insurance anyway.
Won’t I get assistance from the Government?
You might be thinking, “I live in a low-risk area, so I don’t need flood insurance, right? The government will help me if something happens.” I can’t help but sigh when I hear that. While there may be assistance available, it often comes in the form of a high-interest loan, which isn’t exactly ideal.
Let’s be proactive and safeguard our properties against the unpredictable nature of flooding!
How do I get flood insurance?
This one is actually much simpler than you can imagine! We service and sell our flood insurance products through our flood center, which Chris provides. You can get information by going here. Once you enter your property information, you will be contacted by one of Chris’ specialists. They are really amazing and only sell flood insurance, so they know the ins and outs of the product and how to get you the proper coverage.
Let’s check out my friend Chris and his information on Flood Insurance:
