[Vinny]

Having lived in Texas I learned within 2 years that the storm sewers can get clogged with branches and other garbage washed away by a heavy rain. The water on our street was up to our waists and reached our door step. Luckily our house was higher than street level or we would have been flooded. If it had rained another 15 minutes or so we would have been flooded. It was then that we learned that floods are not just from large bodies of water overflowing. If you read your homeowner's policy you will find little that covers damage even from wind swept water entering your house. Ask your insurance agent if you are covered if you are out and a storm smashes a window and water is blown in for an hour or more.

However note well FEMA's definition of a Flood. We were told that if the flood was due to water rising from a storm and we were the only ones affected in the area we would not be covered. Apparently you have to have a certain amount of acerage underwater, which really will not apply in TV or at least two homes damaged. This means you can be flooded but if no one else is you get nothing. See FEMA Coverage

[mac9]

Vinny, we were told the exact same thing. If 1 of the 3 adjacent properties also had damage, then the flood insurance would kick in. Otherwise, no payment would be made. Checked with FEMA and this IS true. Also, cost for a designer home was $359 per year. Insurance cost is based on home value, not the potential for use.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by Penguin

I just went through this. My insurance agent told me to wait till I own my house for 1 year and see if flooding is an issue in my neighborhood. I am a new build in a new area so no one really knows if flooding is an issue so I will wait and see.

100% agree with Penguin. As we closed on our new home I notice a HUGE drain grate in the back yard.

Looking around I thought. Hmmmmm what if this bad boy plugs up with whatever in a storm and our home floor floods a couple of inches?

So our agent said it's not alot of money for the peace of mind. Insurance you never need it till you need it.

We may not have needed but like sinkhole insurance we feel better.

[joycenemetz]

We just purchased flood insurance - worth $365.00 per year for peace of mind. If you are considering purchasing flood insurance, keep in mind - coverage doesn't kick in for 30 days. We paid April 12 - won't be covered until May 12th.