Flood

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Flood damage can happen to you, no matter where your home, apartment or business is located. You can buy flood insurance even if your property is not located in a flood plain. Mortgage lenders, pursuant to federal law, may require homeowners to purchase flood insurance.

I have homeowners or renters insurance. Am I already covered?

No. It is important to be aware that a standard homeowner's or renter's policy does not cover damages resulting from a flood. Remember there may be a waiting period for your flood policy to take effect. For example, there is a 30-day waiting period for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policies to become effective.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the NFIP, has many educational pieces to help consumers understand the basics of flood insurance, how to protect your home and what to do if, in fact, you are the victim of a flood. In most cases, the information on FEMA's Web site is available in English, Spanish and other languages.