(Washington D.C., Wednesday, March 13, 2019) – Spring flooding is unpredictable, which can put many properties outside of the high-risk flood areas at risk.

It doesn’t have to be a devastating flood to be expensive, just an inch of water in an average-size home can cause more than $25,000 in damage.

Having flood insurance is one of the most important steps property owners and renters can take to protect the life they’ve built.  Insured residents are able to recover faster and more fully from a flood than their uninsured neighbors. In 2017, the average flood insurance claim payment in the U.S. was more than $90,000.

• Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect;
• With warmer spring months around the corner, don’t wait until it’s too late: secure flood insurance now;
• If you wait to purchase a policy until after a flood event begins, your property won’t be protected from the damage caused by that flood event; and
• Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage, and flood insurance policies don’t automatically renew.

Contact your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov to learn more about your flood risk and flood insurance options.