One question we usually get around this time of year is:
“Do we really need flood insurance?”
The short answer: Yes.
The long answer: Yes and you need to act fast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is right around the corner. While the season officially starts on June 1, 2019 and ends on November 30, it’s always a wise decision to be prepared any day of the year.
Hurricane Season 2019
AccuWeather predicts a slightly above-normal hurricane season with a maximum of 14 storms this year. Five to seven of them can potentially become hurricanes, while two to four could become major hurricanes.
But as AccuWeather’s Atlantic Hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski says, “It only takes one.”
The History Of Hurricane Season In Maryland
For approximately 60 years, named hurricanes have battered Maryland, greatly affecting our lives and our history. Hurricanes Diane and Connie devastated our state in October 1955, causing widespread flooding. As many of us remember, Hurricane Sandy hit in October 2012, essentially destroying the Ocean City fishing pier. Our friends in New York and New Jersey know too well of the destruction Sandy brought to their oceanfront areas.
How much can water damage cost me?
Based on statistics from the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the #1 natural disaster in the country.
As little as one inch of water damage can lead to a total of $26,807 in damage to a 2500 square foot home. With more water, the damage costs rise along with it. If you want to see how much a flood would cost you, this website by FEMA will help calculate an estimate of the damages for each inch of rising water. Maryland residents who want to read more tips and helpful advice on how to prepare for the hurricane season should take a look at the federal government’s Ready.gov website too!
Why should I get flood insurance if I’m not in a “flood zone”?
The answer is simple: you need coverage because everyone is in a flood zone.
One factor that many homeowners overlook is that flood insurance through FEMA has a 30-day waiting period before going into effect. This means that you can’t ignore this opportunity to protect your home with flood coverage until the storm is on the horizon.
Heavy downpours and flooding rivers have battered our streets, basements and businesses. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize that flood damage is not included in almost every home insurance policy by default. This is where we come in. With over 40 years of experience and expertise providing flood insurance to our valued clients, we are proud of our history of helping our homeowners protect their property.
Maryland has thankfully been spared the worst of the recent hurricanes and tropical storms. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for the other states that were directly hit. With Maryland’s history, this will inevitably happen again; it’s only a matter of when. And when this happens, you’ll be glad that you prepared for it by getting the right protection for your home.
Call us at 1-800-464-3226 or send us a message if you want to know how GEBCO can help you!
