Protect Your Home and Business Against Flooding Through the National Flood Insurance Program and Farm Bureau Insurance
Flooding in Florida
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in America. The devastation it brings to all 50 states is not typically covered by homeowners insurance policies. Plus, its financial consequences can be staggering. The Florida Division of Emergency Management reports that flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards, calling it “a coast-to-coast threat that can occur at any time of the year.”
Don’t underestimate the power of hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rain and flash floods. Even if you don’t live along a coast, river, dam, or levee, you may not be safe from flooding. Not to mention, the relatively flat terrain of our state means rising rivers tend to spread water further out from riverbanks. And no community can escape the realities of poor drainage systems, neighborhood construction that can inhibit natural runoff, and broken water mains.
How the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Works
Fortunately, the NFIP has protected American homes and businesses, and their contents, since 1968. The program provides priceless aid for those facing the financial hardships of flooding. NFIP’s mission is to help people before, during, and after flood disasters. They make federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners.
With a solid history of 54 years behind it, the NFIP has worked to accomplish two primary goals: protecting property owners and reducing future flood damage. The program officially became a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979.
The NFIP tackles flooding risks through three significant approaches:
- Risk Mapping: identifying flood hazards by mapping riverine wetlands (such as rivers, creeks, and waterways) and coastal areas.
- Mitigation: assisting local communities by supporting floodplain management efforts that reduce the built environment’s exposure to floodwaters.
- Flood Insurance: protecting more than 5 million policyholders in 23,000 communities from the financial losses flooding can bring.
What Flood Insurance Covers
Florida Farm Bureau Insurance is proud to be among the handful of companies across the country that are affiliated with the NFIP, and you can apply for a quote today.
Depending on the policy you choose, flood insurance can cover buildings (i.e., your home or your office building), the contents in a building, or both. Coverage is available to property owners, renters, and businesses in the 23,000 communities in the program. Find summaries of coverages and examples of what is covered and what is not covered by flood insurance.
Find Out Your Flood Risk
Because weather patterns, land development, erosion, and other events can change your home’s flood risk over time, review your property’s flood map to better understand your flood risk and insurance options.
You can even look up your address in the Flood Map Service Center to find out if you live, work, or travel in areas that are prone to flooding.
Make sure to adequately protect yourself against the threat of flooding. Familiarize yourself with what impacts your premium and policy costs.
Get a Quote on Flood Insurance
The benefits of insuring yourself against floods outweigh the risks. Farm Bureau Insurance offers free quotes on flood insurance. Learn more by visiting sfb.getflood.com or by contacting a local agent using our Agent Finder.