Tag Archives: flood insurance

Dundalk water-main break triggers coverage questions | RHH Insurance

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The extensive damage caused by the water-main break in Dundalk last week has lead to many coverage questions and potentially erroneous interpretations.
Normally this type of loss should be considered a flood, and in order for there to be coverage there must be a Flood Policy in effect.  This was confirmed by the Maryland Insurance Administration.  Some insurance companies, however, have indicated they might cover the claims under homeowners’ or other property policies.  This will depend on the wording of the individuals’ policy, specifically the water-damage exclusion, coverage for burst pipes and/or backup of sewer and drains coverage.
Here are the MIA’s official guidelines concerning this incident:
•    People who have flood insurance can file under their flood policy
•    People who don’t have flood insurance should file a claim with their property  insurer and get any denial in writing; and
•    The MIA will handle any complaints they get and look at the specifics at that time.

Floods can happen anywhere and everyone is at risk, as demonstrated by the Dundalk water-main break.  This is a perfect example of why even if you don’t live near the water you still need a Flood Insurance Policy!

Quick Flood Preparation Tips

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Everyone in the United States lives in a potential flood zone – but only about 2 percent of Americans have flood insurance. Following are helpful flood preparation tips to encourage your insureds to add this necessary coverage

• Review your current homeowners and/or business insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered. Remember – damage due to flooding is typically not included in your policy.

• Call your independent insurance agent to purchase flood insurance for your home and business – and its contents.

• Make a flood plan and establish evacuation routes with your family. Ask someone out of state to be a “family contact” in case you get separated from loved ones.

• Before a flood or natural disaster occurs, get ahead of the game by itemizing and taking pictures of your possessions.

• To avoid water damage during a flood, keep valuable items and family heirlooms on the upper floors – or on high shelves in your closets – of your home or business.

• For more information about how to prepare for a flood, visit www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/before_a_flood.jsp.

 

Are You Ready For The Spring Flooding Season?

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Springtime brings warmer weather, but also brings conditions such as fast melting snow combined with severe storms and heavy rainfall that increase flood risk. Just a steady rainfall can cause rivers, lakes or other bodies of water to overflow their banks, threatening the communities near them. In fact, you don’t even have to be near the water to be at risk! A water-main break can result in a flooding of the surrounding area causing water damage to homes and businesses.

Don’t wait for a water main break in your neighborhood or for local flooding to occur to discover that you are not covered for flood losses.  Remember, it takes 30 days AFTER the purchase for a flood policy to take effect.  Make that call to us today before you find yourself standing in water! (410) 504-1002

Dundalk water-main break triggers coverage questions | RHH Insurance

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The extensive damage caused by the water-main break in Dundalk last week has lead to many coverage questions and potentially erroneous interpretations.
Normally this type of loss should be considered a flood, and in order for there to be coverage there must be a Flood Policy in effect.  This was confirmed by the Maryland Insurance Administration.  Some insurance companies, however, have indicated they might cover the claims under homeowners’ or other property policies.  This will depend on the wording of the individuals’ policy, specifically the water-damage exclusion, coverage for burst pipes and/or backup of sewer and drains coverage.
Here are the MIA’s official guidelines concerning this incident:
•    People who have flood insurance can file under their flood policy
•    People who don’t have flood insurance should file a claim with their property  insurer and get any denial in writing; and
•    The MIA will handle any complaints they get and look at the specifics at that time.

Floods can happen anywhere and everyone is at risk, as demonstrated by the Dundalk water-main break.  This is a perfect example of why even if you don’t live near the water you still need a Flood Insurance Policy!

Melting Snow and Spring Showers Threaten U.S. With Widespread Flooding

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Check Coverage Now, Warns I.I.I.; 30-day Waiting Period Before Flood Insurance Takes Effect

Do you think that just because you don’t live in a flood zone that you don’t need flood insurance? According to a recent study, many people exposed to the risk of flood damage fail to purchase flood insurance.

“When it comes to floods and the damage they can do, people are complacent,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “There’s a greater chance of having a flood than there is of a fire, yet most people have insurance protection against fire but not flood. Homeowners, renters and businesses need to purchase both.”

Since there is no coverage for flooding in a standard homeowners, renters or commercial property insurance policy, coverage for flood is only available in a separate policy either from the National Flood Insurance Program or a few private carriers.  Ask one of our representatives today about flood insurance and why you might need a policy to cover this exposure.