DENVER – October 9, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes flood insurance available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.
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- NFIP has received 1,967 claims from Colorado residents affected by the September flooding and 446 claims have been paid amounting to $4.2 million.
Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States.
NFIP Policies are sold and serviced through many private insurance companies. The policies cover physical damage to a building or personal property that is directly caused by a flood. For example, damage resulting from a sewer backup is covered if the problem is a direct result of flooding. However, if the backup is caused by something else, the damage is not covered.
Who is Eligible?
Individuals who live in NFIP-participating communities in Colorado are eligible to purchase flood insurance. This includes not only homeowners, but also business owners, renters and those who own condo units. A single-family residential building can be insured up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000.
Renters can cover belongings up to $100,000, and business property owners can insure their buildings up to $500,000 and contents up to another $500,000.
Even after a home, apartment or business has been flooded, owners and renters are still eligible to purchase flood insurance if their communities participate in the NFIP. However, this insurance will be for future rather than past damage.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that regular homeowner and business insurance policies cover flood damage. They generally do not. That is why the NFIP is needed. Another misconception is that NFIP policies pay retroactively for flood damage. Policies generally do not take effect until 30 days after purchase.
Please also refer to www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance.
