Will you have flood insurance in time? Bayshore Courier News Posted:02/23/10
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Fort Monmouth, NJ - Flooding is a fact of life for many New Jersey residents. Each spring and after an intense storm, floodwaters may threaten homes and businesses. Flooding can cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
A flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers New Jersey residents their best protection against loss. In most cases, it takes 30 days for a new NFIP policy to go into effect. Will you have flood insurance in time?
"New Jerseyans without flood insurance are at risk of losing everything," said Stephen DeBlasio, Sr. federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Federal disaster assistance is limited, and often in the form of a loan which must be repaid with interest."
Flood damage is not covered under standard homeowner insurance policies, and there is no guarantee that federal disaster assistance will be available when a flood occurs.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners, and renters. Policies offer building coverage up to $250,000 coverage for homeowners and renters, up to $100,000 for personal property and up to $500,000 each for business contents and buildings.
New Jersey residents who already have flood insurance policies are encouraged to check their policy each year, update as necessary, and make sure premiums remain paid in full.
For more information, contact your insurance agent or to find an insurance agent near you who sells flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov, or call the NFIP's toll-free number 1-888-FLOOD29. The hearing- or speech-impaired should call TTY 1-800-427-5593.
