How much flood insurance should I carry?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to protect your home and belongings from damage caused by floods. The best way to do this is to purchase flood insurance coverage. But how much should you carry? At Baldo-Downs Insurance LLC, we are frequently asked this question by Tuscaloosa, AL homeowners.

How much flood insurance should you carry?

The amount of flood insurance that you decide to carry will depend on the value of your home and personal belongings. It’s important to consider the cost of replacing your home and possessions if a flood were to occur. A good rule of thumb is to insure your home for at least 80% of its replacement cost, plus any additional coverage needed for personal property. You may also need additional coverage for things like cleanup and debris removal after a flood. 

It’s also important to remember that most standard homeowners’ policies do not include flood protection. If you live in a high-risk area, it might be worth considering special coverage such as an NFIP policy or private market policy from an insurer. It can really save you in case a disaster strikes.

Reach Out To Us

Ultimately, deciding how much flood insurance you should carry depends on factors such as the value of your property, risks associated with living in a particular area, and what type of coverage is available in your area. Talk with a local agent at Baldo-Downs Insurance LLC who specializes in floods and ask us about the best plan for you. We proudly serve the Tuscaloosa, AL area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget. So don’t wait and call us today!

What Types of Floods Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Here at Baldo-Downs Insurance LLC, serving the greater Tuscaloosa, AL area, we have witnessed people make many mistakes when it comes to insurance policies. One of the most common mistakes that people make is assuming their homeowners’ insurance will cover them if there is a flood. Unfortunately, many homeowners’ insurance policies exclude flooding. However, you can purchase flood insurance to protect your home and belongings from floods.

Flood insurance covers two different types of flooding:

Flooding Caused By Storms

Flooding can occur in your home if it rains and rains. Creeks, rivers, or other bodies of water may spill over and cause mass flooding. Or, the flooding may be contained to your home only, such as when a basement floods due to heavy amounts of rain. If you have flood insurance, your policy will cover flooding that is caused by storms, including the process of removing the dirty water and sanitizing your home after the water has been removed. 

Flooding Caused By Plumbing Problems

The other type of flooding that is covered by flood insurance is flooding that is caused by some plumbing issues. If the pipes in your home unexpectedly burst open or your water heater cracks, a portion of your home may flood. As long as the item did not break due to a lack of maintenance or repairs, flood insurance will cover the flooding caused by plumbing problems. If the problem occurred because you did not properly maintain or care for these elements, flood insurance may not cover the expenses. 

If you are looking to purchase a new flood insurance policy in the greater Tuscaloosa, AL region, Baldo-Downs Insurance LLC would love to help you. Our team can help you find the flood insurance policy that is right for your needs. Call us today to obtain an estimate.