Do You Need Flood Insurance In Florida?
In April of 2023, over 25 inches of rainfall fell throughout Broward County. The massive downpour caused officials to close the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and many of the roads were underwater. Governor Ron DeSantis even requested that a federal major disaster be declared.
While the flooding may have happened hours away from Daytona Beach, these events are starting to become more common throughout the state of Florida. They have started to cause Florida homeowners to ask themselves if they need flood insurance. So, do you? Below, our Daytona Beach flood damage lawyer explains further.
Should All Floridians Purchase Flood Insurance?
Insurance experts are now starting to advise all Florida residents to purchase flood insurance. At one time, this advice was only given to people in major flood zones. Today though, with global warming becoming a bigger concern every year, it is now advised that all residents throughout the state purchase flood insurance, regardless of where they are located. Floods are becoming more widespread throughout the state and no one can predict when disaster will strike.
Consider the cost of replacing everything you have if a flood were to destroy part or all of your home. Purchasing flood insurance for a nominal cost can prevent you from being responsible for paying those costs out of your own pocket. Also consider how difficult life is after a major disaster and how having flood insurance can bring some relief to a bad situation.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
On average, flood insurance in Florida costs approximately $910 per year for a policy provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live in a moderate or high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender will likely require that you purchase flood insurance. Citizens Insurance also requires all homeowners to purchase flood insurance, regardless of where they live in the state. The typical home and tenant’s insurance policy will not cover flooding or storm surges, so additional flood insurance is recommended.
There are many factors that affect the cost of flood insurance. These include the home’s building materials, elevation, and distance to the coast. Individual insurance companies will also apply their own factors to flood policies to determine the cost. The deductible a homeowner chooses as well as the amount of coverage they purchase will also greatly impact the cost.
Homeowners can purchase flood insurance from the NFIP. This agency places a 30-day waiting period on these policies, meaning it is not available right away. Private insurers also offer flood insurance and sometimes they will offer coverage without a waiting period, and for higher coverage limits.
Our Flood Damage Lawyers in Daytona Beach Can Help After a Storm
If you have done your due diligence and purchased flood insurance, you deserve to obtain the full coverage you need after a storm. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always want to provide it. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach flood damage lawyers can hold them accountable for paying the full coverage you are entitled to. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to book a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more.
