Our hearts go out to all the Everett residents who had flooded basements during the recent rainstorms; not to mention the folks in Boulder, Colorado and the surrounding communities! Unexpected flooding is a scary and life threatening catastrophe.
Did you know that the risk for an average home to be destroyed in a fire is about 10%, while the risk for the same home to be destroyed in a flood averages 26%?
In other words, the risk for your home to be destroyed in a flood is more than double the risk of your home being destroyed in a fire. No matter where it’s located. In fact, about three quarters of all flood losses occur in low – to – moderate risk areas.!
A “flood” is not simply high water near a river, creek or bay. In insurance lingo, a “flood” is defined as a “general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
- The overflow of inland or tidal waters.
- The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters.
- Mudflows caused by flooding.
Many “floods” in Western Washington and those recently in Colorado fit the second description.
If the ground has poor absorption qualities because it’s either very hard after a long dry spell, or already saturated with water, water accumulates on the surface, gathers quickly in volume, and can create a highly destructive flash flood.
This phenomenon also tends to happen in suburban neighborhoods that may be miles away from the nearest river: Due to non-absorbent pavement on the streets, rain water accumulates on the street once storm water drains are overflowing (which happens quickly in a heavy rainstorm) and quickly proceeds on a path of destruction.
The problem is: Damage to your home due to flood is NOT a covered peril on a standard homeowners insurance policy. Flooding can cause damage to your home’s foundation, structure, walls, floors or furniture. Unless you have flood insurance, you will be responsible to cover your loss out of pocket.
On their “FloodSmart” website, FEMA provides a helpful tool to help you estimate the cost of flooding in your home, inch by inch:
Flood Insurance can protect you!
For a free consultation about Flood Insurance in Washington State, please contact McClain Insurance Services at 425.379.9200 or simply click here for more information.
Please note that new flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period to issue. So, don’t delay! Be prepared with Flood Insurance!
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McClain Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency located in Everett, WA. The agency has represented a number of regional and national insurance companies (including PEMCO, Safeco, Travelers and Progressive) since 1977. McClain Insurance Services offers great insurance options to customers in Snohomish County and Washington. Our convenient full-service website and our team of licensed, professional brokers make insurance shopping personal, easy, quick and hassle-free.
Independent agents work with you to customize an insurance plan that meets your needs and fits your budget. They can help with all your personal insurance needs: Auto, Home, Renters, Life, Umbrella, Earthquake, Flood, Boat, Motorcycle and RV Insurance.
McClain Insurance Services is a Trusted Choice agency and a member of the Independent Agents Association of America, the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, and the BBB. They are also Charter Members of NSACE – National Society of Agents for Consumer Education