Why Flood Insurance is Essential: Lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Understanding What Standard Policies Cover—and What They Don’t

One of the most tragic aspects of these storms was the widespread damage caused by flooding. Unfortunately, flood damage is typically not covered under standard property policies. Many homeowners, business owners, and renters think they’re fully protected, only to find their policy doesn’t cover water damage from natural flooding. The only way to protect against these losses is with a separate flood insurance policy.

Why Inland Flooding is a Growing Concern

Hurricanes and severe storms like Helene and Milton have demonstrated that inland regions are also vulnerable to significant flooding. Changes in weather patterns are causing heavier and more frequent storms, even in areas with historically low flood risk. For instance, excessive rainfall alone can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash flooding, regardless of how far you are from the coast.

Reassessing Flood Risk in a Changing Climate

Given these evolving storm patterns, it’s important to reevaluate flood risk, even if your home or business has never flooded before. The increased occurrence of extreme rain events means that more properties are at risk than ever. Without flood insurance, the financial burden of repairs can be overwhelming in the wake of a major flood.

Getting Prepared: Talk to Your Insurance Agent About Flood Insurance

The best way to protect yourself is to speak with your insurance agent about flood risk and coverage options. They can provide guidance on your specific location and offer a flood insurance quote tailored to your needs. Here’s why flood insurance can make a difference:

• Covers Structural and Content Damage: Flood insurance can cover damages to both your property structure and personal belongings.
• Applies to Homes, Condos, Rentals, and Commercial Properties: Flood policies are available for both residential and commercial needs.
• Mitigates Financial Burden: Repairing flood damage is expensive, and flood insurance can lessen this financial impact.

Floods are unpredictable, and their damage can be severe. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have shown that flooding can impact communities well beyond coastal areas. Contact your insurance agent today to understand your flood risk and get a quote for flood insurance.