Flood Insurance

Important Information regarding the National Flood Insurance Program

Most believe (or hope) that their Homeowners insurance policy will cover them in the event of a flood, but it won’t. Coverage is available, however, through the National Flood Insurance Program, an agency of the federal government. As an independent agent, we are able to offer this program through companies who administer the program on behalf of the government. As their representative, the Schultheis Insurance Agency is licensed to sell the coverage to you.

Just remember that your home insurance policy does not provide any flood coverage; therefore, if a flood occurs, you will not be covered for any damage or losses that may result. Please take time to contemplate purchasing this important policy.

Below is a short overview of Flood Insurance. If you seek more detailed information, please visit FEMA's web site for a more comprehensive explanation or contact any of Schultheis Insurance's agents with any questions you may have. All agents have undergone the National Flood Insurance Program's education requirements.

 
What is a flood?

Flood insurance covers direct physical loss caused by "flood." FEMA defines a flood as "A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

      • Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
      • Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
      • Mudflow; or
      • Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above."
How much coverage can I buy?

The National Flood Insurance Program offers two types of coverage. The first covers the physical dwelling itself and has a maximum limit of $250,000. The second type provides coverage for you personal property (or contents) and has a maximum limit of $100,000. Typically a mortgage company will require coverage be in place for the dwelling, but the individual may have to leave the contents coverage to their discretion.

As long as the building meets the following criteria, it can be insured on a Replacement Cost Value (RCV).

      • The building must be a single-family dwelling, and
      • Be your principal residence, meaning you live there at least 80 percent of the year, and
      • The building coverage must be insured for at least 80 percent of the full replacement cost of the building or is the maximum available for property under the National Flood Insurance Program.

If these conditions are not met the building will be insured on an Actual Cash Value basis (ACV). ACV is the replacement cost at the time of the loss, less the value of its physical depreciation. Personal Property insured under the NFIP can only be insured on an ACV basis.

 

What is insured under Building Property coverage?

Coverage is provided for the building in two parts, surface and subsurface level. For the surface level, coverage is provided for:

        • Insured building and its foundation.
        • The electrical and plumbing systems.
        • Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters.
        • Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers.
        • Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor.
        • Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets.
        • Debris removal.
        • Detached garages (up to 10 percent of Building Property coverage).

On the subsurface (basement) level coverage is provided for:

        • Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases attached to the building.
        • Central air conditioners.
        • Drywall for walls and ceilings (in basements only).
        • Electrical outlets, switches, and circuit breaker boxes.
        • Furnaces, hot water heaters, heat pumps, and sump pumps.
What is insured under Personal Property coverage?

Personal Property is insured on an Actual Cash Value basis. Coverage is provided for the building in two parts, surface and subsurface level. For the surface level, coverage is provided for:

        • Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment.
        • Clothes washers and dryers.
        • Food freezers and the food in them.
        • Carpets no included in building coverage.

On the subsurface (basement) level coverage is provided for:

        • Washers and dryers.
        • Food freezers and the food in them.
What is not insurable with Flood Insurance?

Coverage is not provided for the the following items. On the surface level:

        • Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that could have been avoided by the property owners.
        • Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates.
        • Living expenses such as temporary housing.
        • Other exclusions apply, please check policy for complete list.

On the subsurface (basement) level coverage is excluded for:

        • Carpeting, area carpets, and other floor coverings such as tile.
        • Most personal property such as clothing, electronic equipment, kitchen supplies, and furniture.
        • Other exclusions apply, please check policy for complete list.