Planning Department Flood Insurance

If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because Benton County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded.

Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the contents. During the kind of flooding that happens in Benton County, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure.

There are already a number of flood insurance policies filed in Benton County. If you are covered, check out the amount and make sure you have contents coverage. Remember: Even if the last flood missed you or you have done some floodproofing, the next flood could be worse. Flood insurance covers all surface floods.

If your flooding problem is caused or aggravated by sewer backup, check out a sewer backup rider to your homeowners insurance policy.

Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection.

There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect.

Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.