Category: Flood Insurance

Despite Florida’s history with hurricanes and other severe weather, a recent survey found that only 18% of Florida homes are covered by flood insurance. That figure suggests the need to address common flood insurance mistakes by those with and without proper coverage, and our Americas Insurance Associates team stands ready to assist with the insurance needs of Florida residents.

Common Flood Insurance Mistakes

While there is a long list of flood insurance mistakes to avoid, we will focus on four common issues that can severely affect Florida home and condo owners.

#1 No Flood Insurance. Some people mistakenly believe their home and condo policies cover flood damage. They do not. In addition, people whose homes are not in severe flood zones often skip flood insurance, yet many other areas can flood. Also, many flood zone maps are outdated and do not account for new construction and climatic changes.

#2 Relying on Federal Disaster Assistance. These funds apply only to disasters designated by the President. They do not apply to localized events and cap out at $41,000 per household.

#3 Being Underinsured. Increased housing prices or improper valuations can lead even those with flood insurance to undervalue their property. In addition, flood insurance does not cover pools, landscaping, docks, motor vehicles, and other assets that need separate protection.

#4 Lack of Documentation. Flood claims are based on the damage compared to pre-existing conditions, so homeowners should regularly document their belongings and home conditions using a smartphone or similar device.

Avoiding these mistakes will be helpful if misfortune affects your home and community.

Working with Americas Insurance Associates

Americas Insurance Associates proudly serves Florida homeowners and provides for flood and other insurance needs. Call us or stop by today to discuss your flood insurance options.

Having home insurance from Americas Insurance Associates is an important part of protecting your home and its contents, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are protected against flooding. In fact, since flood insurance is usually sold separately, there is a good chance your standard homeowner’s policy does not cover floods.

Why Flood Insurance?

Floods can cause extensive damage to your home and possessions, so it’s definitely worth considering investing in flood insurance as well. There are many factors to consider when buying flood insurance, such as the type of coverage that best suits your needs and budget, plus the likelihood of flooding in your area. Someone who lives in a mountainous area is less likely to need it than someone who lives here in Florida. Our land is often flat and wet, and many areas are prone to flooding, especially during a storm.

It may be worth doing some research into what kind of coverage is available in order for you to make an informed decision about whether or not you need additional flood insurance. Taking this extra step to protect your home and possessions can give you peace of mind that you have the right coverage in place if the worst should happen. So make sure you take a look into what kind of flood insurance you need today!

We Are Here To Help!

If you have any questions about your home or flood insurance policy or just want to explore your options, please give us a call at Americas Insurance Associates today. We are proud to serve Florida and would be glad to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.

Flooding can cause a lot of damage to your home and belongings. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to have flood insurance. The question is, how long does a flood insurance policy take to go into effect?

Here are some tips on what to do if you experience a flood:

Federal Insurance Waiting Periods

There is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days for all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies. This waiting period begins on the date of purchase. Private flood insurance policies may have different waiting periods, so it’s important to check with your insurer. If you purchase a policy mid-way through a flooding season, it’s important to know that your policy will not cover any damage that occurs during the waiting period.

Private flooding Insurance Waiting Periods

Private insurers usually have a shorter waiting period of about 14 days. Some companies may have a 10-day waiting period. Others may offer coverage immediately if you’re willing to pay a higher premium. If you live in an area prone to flooding, such as Florida, it’s important to purchase flood insurance as soon as possible.

What to Do if You Experience a Flood

If you experience a flood, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company. A professional insurer like Americas Insurance Associates will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if your policy covers it.

If your policy doesn’t cover the damage, you may be able to file a claim with the National Flood Insurance Program. If you don’t have flood insurance, you’ll have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. Flooding can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to be prepared.

Contact Us Today

If you’re thinking of purchasing flood insurance, Americas Insurance Associates in Florida can help. We’re a leading provider of flood insurance in Florida, and we’re here to answer all your questions. Give us a call today to learn more about our policies and how long it will take for them to go into effect.