Governor, Local Agents Say Consider Flood Insurance

When it comes to purchasing flood insurance, the early bird gets the coverage.  Unprecedented levels of snow and ice buildup this winter could lead to extreme runoff once the spring thaw arrives, and a federally-imposed waiting period for new flood policies means property owners must prepare well in advance for potential damages.

In a statement released last week, Governor Dannel Malloy advised residents to consider their options for flood insurance.

“It just makes sense to plan now to help protect personal property for this coming spring once this record snowpack thaws and causes local rivers and streams to significantly rise,” he said.

“People shouldn’t wait until the last minute,” said insurance agent Jim Suzio, president of Suzio Insurance Center, Inc. Although standard homeowner policies typically cover damages from other weather-related phenomena, such as roof collapses due to snow, Suzio noted that even the most comprehensive policy – even those for commercial properties – lacks coverage for flood costs.

Flood insurance is instead part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program, and is underwritten by the federal government. New policies require a 30-day waiting period between time of purchase and the policy going into effect.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines a flood as an excess of water in areas normally dry. 

Those living near a body of water or downhill are particularly vulnerable, said agent Michael Canning, co-owner of JF Canning and Associates. People living in areas deemed at-risk for flooding by their mortgage holders are often required to purchase a policy.

Flooding, however, can occur in any area where it rains, according to the NFIP.  

“People just have to be aware of where there’s going to be runoff and accumulation of snow,” said Suzio.

Of equal importance, said Michael Buchek, owner of a Meriden Nationwide branch, is accounting for water being diverted by snow acting as temporary dams.

“If you look around and you have piles of snow that are 6 feet high and maybe 20-100 feet long…they could prevent water from going where it usually does,” he said, leading to “runoff at your front door.”

In the case of a home flood, residents are advised to move belongings immediately out of the affected area. Canning suggested moving items of value to safe, elevated parts of a house until after the spring melt has come and gone.

Claims for flood insurance should be filed promptly. In many cases, said Buchek, agents will help to coordinate water removal.

“Taking photographs [of the damage] is always a good idea,” he continued.

Flood insurance is offered in two forms by the NFIP. A Building Property policy, offered for claims of up to $250,000, includes structural damage to a house, built-in appliances, and flooring, as well as debris removal. Personal Property coverage can be purchased for up to $100,000, and includes items such as furniture and electronic equipment. Post-cleanup damages due to moisture or mold are not part of either policy.  

For more information on flooding and flood insurance, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov, or contact your local insurance agent.