Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance

Floods are more common than ever, with climate change ratcheting up the number of costly natural disasters in the United States. If you live in a flood zone in Astoria, OR, you might have difficulty finding coverage through private insurance companies. Fortunately, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides affordable protection for homeowners. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we get a lot of questions about flood insurance, so we put together these common myths and facts about flood insurance to help you make the right choice for your property.

Myth: You can’t get coverage if you’re in a designated flood zone.

Fact: If your community provides access to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can buy flood insurance. However, homes within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) may cost more to insure than those outside of historic flood zones.

Myth: You can’t get flood coverage if there’s been a recent flood in your area.

Fact: You can get flood insurance anytime. However, there’s a 30-day wait before NFIP insurance takes effect. There’s no waiting period if you’re buying flood insurance to secure a loan. Talk to your flood insurance agent to ensure your coverage is in place if you purchase a new home. 

Myth: My homeowner’s policy will cover flooding damage.

Fact: Your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover flooding. You need to purchase a separate policy, typically through the NFIP. Please stop by our office or call for an appointment for a free quote.

MYTH: Federal disaster assistance covers flood damage.

FACT: Less than 50% of floods are declared federal disasters. That means you can’t count on help from the government. Plus, if the government doesn’t declare a federal disaster, you won’t get any assistance from the government.

Find Flood Coverage in Astoria, OR

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance for a quote for your home’s flood insurance. Our experienced agents can help you get the coverage you need.