Letter to the editor
Check homeowners for flood coverage
Watching neighbors on Linn Drive in Washington Township haul ruined furniture and appliances to the curb after this month’s storm is a difficult reminder that a normal homeowners policy is not built to handle water like this.

As an advocate for consumers there are a few insurance and claims basics every affected homeowner should understand before the next storm.
Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover most flooding. Standard policies typically exclude both flood damage and sewer/drain backup. If your basement flooded from rising water or a backed-up line, don’t assume your existing policy has you covered — call your agent and ask what your policy does and does not include. There may be policy add-ons (endorsements) available for things like water and sewer backup, so ask about availability, cost and limitations. We encourage you to call your own agent to ask what your policy specifically covers and what is excluded.
Flood insurance is a separate policy entirely, and it isn’t just for people near a river. As FEMA puts it, “wherever it rains, it can flood”. You don’t have to live in a designated high-risk flood zone to be eligible, and you don’t need a federally backed mortgage to buy it. Coverage is available either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through a growing number of private flood insurance carriers, and it may be more affordable than you think. Get a rate quote from an agent or through NFIP’s online tool at https://www.floodsmart.gov/policy-quote/ so you know your actual risk and cost, not just an assumption.
Keep in mind most flood policies take about 30 days to go into effect, so this isn’t something to wait on until the next forecast. And be sure you ask your agent to walk you through all the coverages and exclusions so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Understanding these coverage gaps now — instead of after the next storm — is the difference between a manageable repair and a devastating loss.

Cory Cavinee
President
Fayette Board of REALTORS