Around 41 million Americans live in flood zones, according to a survey by Environmental Research Letters. If you’re one of those people, you’ve likely encountered water damage in one way or another. Basements flooding, structural damage, and mold are all common after-effects of flood and water damage, made far more likely when living in a moist, flood-prone area. These factors don’t mean you have to pack up and move. With the right preparation and knowledge, dealing with flood damage doesn’t have to be scary. Here are some actions you can…
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New York insurance chief holds insurers accountable for flood damage throughout the state
New York’s insurance chief has issued a warning concerning insurance companies and Hurricane Irene. According to Benjamin Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, some insurers are trying to avoid paying for damages caused by flooding spurred by the storm. Lawksy’s warning is not targeted at consumers but at the companies that are offering flood insurance. He says that no company should consider denying payments because the damage to homes and businesses are so clearly the result of flooding. Some insurance companies are seeking to enforce what they call “hurricane damage” deductibles.…
Read MoreIn the Northeast residents without flood insurance may be in for a rude awakening
A major hurricane has not made landfall on U.S. soil since 2008, but Hurricane Irene has broken that period of peace. As the first real hurricane of a supposedly active season, Irene seems to be making up for lost time. The storm has already reached Category 3 and is expected to reach the Carolina’s by Thursday. The hurricane will continue moving north, making its way through Long Island, New York and other states. The coming storm has raised concerns regarding insurance coverage as many come to the dire realization that…
Read MoreMissouri insurance agents vent frustrations over FEMA’s handling of flood insurance
In the states struggling to mitigate the damage caused by the flooding Missouri River, insurance agents are railing against FEMA. Agents claim that federal officials are at fault for causing widespread confusion amongst property owners by pressuring them to purchase flood insurance. The main issue is that these hastily solicited policies may not provide the coverage necessary to protect homeowners from the flooding river. Furthermore, several insurance companies in the affected area say that federal officials have been pressuring insurance agents to sell policies that specifically exclude any damage caused…
Read MoreA spring cleaning of America’s flood insurance program
With spring now insight, it’s time to prepare for nasty weather. Depending on what part of the nation you live in, that could mean tornados and hail, or spring rains and flooding. This is a good time to examine your homeowner’s policy for any needed updates that may need to be made. Last year we had amazing weather activity. In the United States, we saw abundant rainfall; with many states receiving record amounts and other states getting well over normal. Snow and bitter cold temperatures set seasonal records, and numerous…
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