Flood insurance is a must for certain homeowners who live in areas prone to heavy rainfalls. However, it can be difficult to determine whether you truly need this supplemental policy or if you can get by without it. The following are a few reasons why you should implement flood coverage as soon as possible.

How to Determine if You Need Flood Insurance

You Live in a Flood-Prone Area

Some homeowners face a higher risk of flooding than others. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a map of flood zones so that individual homeowners can gain a greater understanding of their specific risk. It’s recommended that people currently living in high-risk flood zones purchase a suitable level of insurance coverage, since standard home policies won’t cover water damage resulting from flooding. 

Your Home is Located Near a Body of Water

Water overflow can also cause flooding. Even a seemingly small body of water, such as a creek or stream, is at risk of overflowing as a result of inclement weather. Also, consider that even a relatively small amount of water in your home can do quite a lot of damage, from endangering your basement to ruining personal items. In this case, it’s better to invest in flood coverage. A single storm may result in thousands of dollars of damage, which you would be liable for if you lacked the proper insurance coverage.

Heavy Rainfall is Common

Even without a nearby body of water, heavy rainfall entails a potential flood risk. Heavy rainfall is often followed by flash flooding, which is defined as flooding that occurs within a few hours of a storm. Unfortunately, weather patterns are becoming more and more unpredictable around the country. As a result, flash flooding may be more of a possibility than you think, even if it hasn’t posed a threat to the area in the past.

The team at P.D.H Insurance Brokerage Inc. know that making insurance decisions can be tough. That is why these brokers take the time to talk with clients in Valley Stream, NY, about their flood insurance, whether assessing risk or determining the proper coverage limits. They also offer many other essential products, including car insurance, coverage for businesses, motorcycle insurance, and umbrella policies to fill in coverage gaps. Call (516) 561-5227 to schedule a consultation. Visit their website to see a list of services.