Flood Insurance

Why Flood Insurance is a Must-Have During Hurricane Season

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As we approach the end of the first month of hurricane season, it’s essential to have evacuation plans, an emergency kit, wind-resistant window and door protection, and insurance from ACU Insurance Services. One of the most critical components of hurricane preparedness is flood insurance, which is vital for rebuilding your life after a disaster.

Why Flood Insurance Is Essential During Hurricane Season

Filling the Coverage Gap

Standard home, renters, and commercial insurance policies do not cover hurricane-related flooding, leaving a significant coverage gap. Flood insurance bridges this gap by providing protection for structural damage and personal belongings.

Coverage Activation Delays

Flood insurance policies typically do not activate immediately. Most policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. The best time to secure flood insurance is when the weather is calm. If you wait until a hurricane is imminent, the policy you purchase won’t take effect in time to cover the current storm—it will only apply to future events.

Hurricanes and Flooding

Even after losing strength on land, hurricanes can continue to cause significant flooding due to their ability to retain water and heat. These storms can travel hundreds of miles inland, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to areas far from the shoreline. For example, being 25 to 27 miles from the coast means a hurricane can still impact League City, TX, with near-full strength, flooding both flood-prone and non-prone areas.

Historical Impact of Hurricanes

Located near Galveston, TX, League City has witnessed the devastating effects of hurricanes on homes and businesses. Many residents are still working to recover from past storms. Historically, the longest gap between hurricanes making landfall is six years. Additionally, out of over 300 hurricanes recorded since 1851, the Texas coast ranks second to Florida, with 64 hurricanes hitting the region.

Flood insurance is a crucial tool for preparing for the unexpected. At ACU Insurance Services, our agents can help you find flood insurance coverage that complements your renters, home, or commercial insurance plans. For more information on flood insurance, call or visit our League City, TX office.

Why Flood Insurance is a Must-Have During Hurricane Season

Posted on by admin

As we approach the end of the first month of hurricane season, it’s crucial to have evacuation plans, an emergency kit, wind-resistant window and door protection, and insurance from ACU Insurance Services. One of the most important components of hurricane preparedness is flood insurance, which plays a vital role in rebuilding your life after a disaster.

Why Flood Insurance Is Essential During Hurricane Season

Filling the Coverage Gap

Standard home, renters, and commercial insurance policies typically do not cover hurricane-related flooding, leaving a significant coverage gap. Flood insurance bridges this gap by providing protection for structural damage and personal belongings.

Coverage Activation Delays

Flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. This means the best time to secure flood insurance is when the weather is calm and stable. If you wait until a hurricane is imminent, the policy you purchase won’t take effect in time to cover the current storm—it will only apply to future events.

Hurricanes and Flooding

Even after weakening on land, hurricanes can still cause significant flooding due to their ability to retain water and heat. These storms can travel hundreds of miles inland, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to areas far from the coastline. For instance, being 25 to 27 miles from the coast means a hurricane can still impact League City, TX, with near-full strength, flooding both flood-prone and non-prone areas.

Historical Impact of Hurricanes

Located near Galveston, TX, League City has experienced the devastating effects of hurricanes on homes and businesses. Many residents are still recovering from past storms. Historically, the longest gap between hurricanes making landfall is six years. Additionally, out of over 300 hurricanes recorded since 1851, the Texas coast ranks second to Florida, with 64 hurricanes hitting the region.

Flood insurance is a critical tool for preparing for the unexpected. At ACU Insurance Services, our agents can help you find flood insurance coverage that complements your renters, home, or commercial insurance plans. Contact us or visit our League City, TX office for more information on flood insurance.

Am I Required to Get Flood Insurance If I Live In a High-Risk Flood Area?

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Living in a high-risk flood area can be stressful if you don’t have flood insurance. Understanding when you’re required to get flood insurance can guide you in deciding when it’s time to secure flood insurance for your home.

The professionals at ACU Insurance Services, serving League City, TX, can assist. We answer questions about flood insurance and help homeowners like you decide when getting flood insurance is the right move. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that can help pay to repair or replace your home and belongings after a flood. It differs from homeowners’ insurance because it doesn’t cover floods. Flood insurance is managed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and delivered to consumers through insurance companies.

Are You Required to Get Flood Insurance If You Live In a High-Risk Flood Area?

You may be required to get flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area and have a mortgage. Your lender may require you to get insurance in order to have a mortgage. If you’re buying a home, the company that loans the money for your mortgage will require you to provide proof of flood insurance before the loan funds. You will be required to have flood insurance until your mortgage is completely paid.

If you do not have mortgage insurance, you may not be required to have flood insurance, but it still may be a good idea. Getting flood insurance can give you assurance during a flood.

Flood insurance can also assist you during the rebuild process when a flood occurs. If you need flood insurance, the professionals at ACU Insurance Services, serving League City, TX, can help. Call today to make an appointment.

What Disasters Does Flood Insurance Cover?

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Whether you live in a flood zone or just want to have extra protection from water damage, one of the options is to opt into flood insurance for your home. Understanding when you can use that coverage means knowing what types of events are covered under flood insurance.

Flash-Flooding

If your area experiences a high amount of rain in a short period, you could fall victim to flash-flooding. This means that you will get a lot of water really fast, and it could cause damage starting at the first floor and moving up.

Mudslides

Some areas will experience long-term rain, which causes mudslides in the area. When this happens, excess water gets washed into an area that might otherwise not flood, causing damage to the external part of the home. This can also happen when there is a land collapse from erosion and the water is strong enough to start washing parts of land away from the property.

Tropical Storms

These storms develop out of the ocean, traveling for hundreds of miles out in the ocean picking up speed, and can travel for miles inland. They will have severe flooding impacts due to the amount of rain coming in off of the storm and the wind coming with it.

Groundwater Flooding

Sometimes the water table beneath your home can start to flood, causing water to start rising from beneath the ground and onto the property. Groundwater flooding will start to cause damage to the foundation, and then move into the home until the water goes down beneath your home.

The damage to your home caused by these disasters can be extensive, which is why it’s a good idea to have flood insurance supplementing your main policy. If you’re in the League City, TX area, or surrounding communities, contact our team at ACU Insurance Services today for a personal quote.

Can Flood Insurance Protect a Vacation Home?

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At ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX, we can help you insure your primary residence and your vacation home as needed. For homeowners who are affected by flooding or concerned about flooding, flood insurance is a must. Additionally, some mortgage lenders require flood insurance to lend to you. When you own a vacation home, you may be extra worried about flood damage since you’re not always occupying the dwelling. We can address these concerns in the article below.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance covers damage related to flooding. In qualifying events, you can expect most flood insurance policies to provide coverage for repairing the damage associated with these circumstances. Since regular homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding in many cases, it’s smart to have flood insurance as extra protection.

Can Flood Insurance Protect a Vacation Home?

Although every second home insurance policy is different, most home insurance policies for primary dwellings and secondary dwellings will not provide coverage for flooding. As a result, you will most likely require specialized flood insurance if you own one or more houses. For vacation properties, flood insurance can be useful. As long as you find a flood insurance policy that covers vacation homes or secondary dwellings, you can use that coverage in the event of a flood. 

Before you assume that flood insurance covers a secondary dwelling, you should speak with our insurance agents and review your options for protecting a vacation home from flood damage. Additionally, you should get coverage before you need it. Waiting until a flood happens to explore options can make it impossible to cover those expenses.

To protect all of your properties, call our team at ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX!

Prepare Your Residence for A Flood

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Identifying effective tactics to prepare your home for a potential flood will safeguard both your property’s structure and stored possessions.

Flood Protection Measures

Implementing proper flood protection strategies will notably reduce the chances of needing to file a flood insurance claim. In instances where filing a claim becomes necessary, employed protection measures may restrict the overall damage suffered by your home and belongings.

Tackle Property Concerns

Initiate an inspection of your property to identify any drainage-related concerns. Your thorough check should include elements like fencing, walls, and underground plumbing. Water pooling can damage your land and items within your home significantly. Address these concerns promptly, repairing any compromised structural elements.

Inspect Interior Parts of Your Home

An internal inspection of your residence is equally vital. This check will assess the interior structural material conditions and the security of indoor-stored items. An effective strategy post-inspection could involve upgrading windows, doors, or other structural materials to prevent water infiltration

Safeguard Your Valuables

Develop a storage plan to protect valuable possessions from rising floodwaters. Items of value should be stored in a waterproof safe or container on the upper level of your home. Your flood insurance policy should ideally cover these valuable possessions.

If you have reservations about the amount of flood insurance coverage you require, get in touch with an ACU Insurance Services agent today. Representatives are on standby to assist residents of League City, TX.

Protect Your Farmland from Floods – Measures to Take Before Insuring Your Property

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Protecting Your Newly Purchased FarmLand

If you have recently acquired farmland, here are several strategies to protect your property from potential damage and theft. Once your land has been prepared, contact our agents in League City, TX, for the seamless preparation of your insurance documents.

Property Assessment

An appraisal can determine the current value and dimensions of your property – vital information when purchasing an insurance policy that will offer sufficient protection for your land.

Land Grading

Grading your land removes surface inconsistencies. This process could prevent rainwater from pooling, thus reducing the risk of floods.

Soil Care Practices

Soil conditions on your property may need modification. For instance, if the soil isn’t adequately aerated, it could impact the drainage capabilities of your land, which can be rectified through soil aeration or compaction. Should there be any holes on your property, they can be filled using topsoil.

Installation of Drainage Materials

New drainage materials may be necessary if any drainage problems have previously been detected. Just installing perforated drain lines, gutter sections, and other such materials to steer water away could lessen the impact of rising waters. Consequently, these materials can protect your home and land from unexpected floods.

Contact ACU Insurance Services

Reach out to one of our ACU Insurance Services agents in League City, TX, today for an inquiry about flood insurance coverage. Our agent will prepare your insurance policy and ensure you’re well covered.

Head ’em Up and Move ’em Out!

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When the going gets tough, get up and get out of there! There’s one sure way to survive a flood, and that’s to leave before the flooding starts. You may get some warning if your area is going to be flooded, particularly if the reason is an oncoming hurricane. In this case, evacuation may be the intelligent thing to do. An even smarter thing to do is to know how to evacuate before you need to evacuate.  

Before You Go

First, make a plan. Where will you go, and how will you get there if you need to evacuate? Find out what shelters are available. If a motel, friend, or family member’s home is available, make that part of the plan. If you have a pet, will they be accepted? Get familiar with alternate routes and any other means of transportation to get out of your area. If you live with other people, make a plan where to meet should you get separated. Assemble supplies for a bug-out bag. Keep your car gassed up and keep an emergency kit in it.  

On the Go

Leave before things get too serious. If you have time, you can close and lock all the doors and windows before you go. Unplug the electrical equipment and shut off water, gas, and electricity. FEMA has an app that will tell you where the local shelters are. A battery-powered radio will keep you in touch with the news and evacuation instructions. Dress for the weather. Keep in mind that any shortcuts may be blocked. Follow recommended evacuation routes and keep an eye out for hazards on the road. Do not drive in flooded areas. Keep safe so you can eventually come home. 

ACU Insurance Services Serving League City, TX

If you need flood insurance and are in the League City, TX area, please get in touch with ACU Insurance Services. We’re here to help. 

Do You Need Flood Insurance for Your Texas Home?

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Whether you live in a flood-prone area or not, having a flood insurance policy in place is not a bad idea these days. You never know when a downpour or thunderstorm will occur and flood the basement area of your home or, worse yet, the upstairs portion of your home. Our agents at ACU Insurance Services serving the League City, TX area also know and understand that Texas is no stranger to hurricanes and water surges.

It would be best if you kept in mind that most home insurance policies do not cover flooding or earthquakes. This is why flood and earthquake insurance is available for people to add to their original home insurance policy.

Flood Insurance Policy Coverage

Most flood insurance policies are obtained through your agent and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There are normally two parts to your flood insurance policy. One of those is the part of the policy that covers the structure of your home and outbuildings if they are damaged or destroyed by flooding. The other piece to your flood insurance policy will cover your personal belongings and other items, such as clothing, electronics, appliances, furniture, and other things. Some flood insurance policies will even help you cover the expenses of living in another location while your home is repaired after a flood has occurred.

Contact ACU Insurance Services

Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry, so even if you think you do not need a flood insurance policy right now, you still may want to consider one. Contact our agents at ACU Insurance Services serving the League City, TX area today and get your flood insurance policy started and have the peace of mind that comes with it.

How much flood insurance do I need?

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With over 3,000 League City residences in FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area (formerly known as the 100-year floodplain), all community members should recognize the value of flood insurance. But how much flood insurance do you need? This article helps answer that question, but your needs are unique, so contact the team at ACU Insurance Services, serving League City, TX, for advice on the best flood insurance for your needs.

Flood Insurance Policy Needs

Homeowner’s and renter’s policies do not cover flooding from water entering from outside your home, so flood insurance is needed for those damages.

Also, if you have a mortgage and live in certain areas, you may be required to have a minimum amount of flood insurance, but the minimum amount may not meet your needs. Instead, homeowners should have enough flood insurance coverage to rebuild their homes and replace their possessions if the worst happens. 

Our team at ACU Insurance Services can help you determine your home’s rebuild cost and the replacement cost of your possessions. Since policies often limit reimbursement by category, you should consider policy riders to cover your household’s artwork, collections, or other out-of-the-ordinary items.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps keep flood insurance policies affordable but limits coverage to $250,000 for the home and $100,000 for possessions. NFIP also does not cover additional expenses incurred if the damage displaces you from your home, so you may need private insurance to meet your requirements.

Remember, none of us controls whether a flood might affect our homes, but we can protect our families against the financial effects of a flood.

Working with ACU Insurance Services

ACU Insurance Services proudly serves League City, TX, and has experience dealing with flood insurance policies. Call us or stop by today to discuss your flood insurance options, and we will help you find the best policy for your family.