After All The Snow Comes

Risk Of A Flood

HARTFORD — With the start of the warm weather comes the concern: Spring thaw. Winter runoff, heavy rains, and water backup due to overloaded drainage systems have caused thousands of dollars of damages to homes and businesses.

Many home or business owners have found out too late that their business or homeowners insurance policy does not cover flooding. Because of this, Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut Inc reminds consumers that the time to purchase floor insurance is before a flood happens.

Damage to a home or business and property caused by flooding is not covered under a homeowners, renters or business insurance policy. For this reason, PIACT urges residents to consider purchasing floor insurance.

Storms, melting snow, and water back up due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems can cause flooding anytime and anywhere. “Many people don’t realize they are not covered for floods unless they’ve purchased a separate flood insurance policy,” said PIACT President James Pascarella, CPCU. “The National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance at federally subsidized low premium rates. It is available through your insurance agent.”

People in the high-risk flood areas are not the only people who need flood insurance, Mr Pascarella pointed out. “In fact,” he said, “approximately one-third of all flood claims come from outside the high-risk areas.”

Mr Pascarella urges all homeowners to contact their professional, independent insurance agent to help determine if they need flood insurance. “There is a 30-day waiting period between the time the flood insurance is purchased and the time the coverage goes into effect,” continued Mr Pascarella. He stressed that waiting until the next storm warning to purchase floor insurance is dangerous because coverage probably will not begin in time.

PIACT also offers the following tips to help prepare for a flood. Listen for storm warnings and follow evacuation procedures. If a severe storm is predicted, it is a good idea to board windows, shut off utilities, and store outside items inside to prevent damage. Keep an emergency kit handy as well as food and water, a portable can opener, clothing, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, and a battery-operated radio in case the power is out.

PIACT is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages, and their employees throughout the state.