Texans know all too well the threat of hurricanes, but at any time, a flash flood can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. Let ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX walk you through the process and answer your questions.

What is a Flash Flood?

A flash flood is a rapid, heavy rainfall that comes on suddenly in a short amount of time. A flash flood can dump several inches of rain very quickly, causing low-lying areas to flood. If you live near a lake, river, or basin, your home may be in more danger of flooding than those on higher ground, away from bodies of water.

A devastating natural disaster, flash floods can completely flood your home and land, causing costly damage. There is not much of a warning before a flash flood occurs, so flash flood preparation ahead of time is imperative to protect your home, yourself, and your loved ones.

Before a Flash Flood

Preparation ahead of time is critical in protecting your home. Some things you can do is to create a floodplain around your home to keep water at bay and place your furnace, water heater, and other electrical appliances, and breaker box on cement blocks or wooden planks to keep them off the floor in case your basement floods.

You should periodically check your sewer and basement drains to keep them free of debris that may cause them to overflow during a downpour. You can use beams or floodwalls to prevent water from coming into your home during a flash flood, as well.

While it is happening

There are a few things you should do during a flash flood to stay safe, along with your family.

Follow local weather reports so that you can get your family to higher ground if a flash flood is on its way. Take important items and documents with you when you leave, if you have time to retrieve them.

Contact Your Agent

If you and your home have fallen victim to a flash flood, you know the importance of having insurance that will cover the damages. The staff at ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX are always here to assist you with all of your flood insurance needs.

The potential of a flooding disaster concerns most homeowners.   Every year, photos of homes submerged in flood waters are shown on news.  The concern for flooding is real but not every home is at equal risk.  Luckily, assessing your home’s risk level is easy to determine.  In the League City area, the agents at ACU Insurance Services are ready to help you make decisions about whether you need flood insurance or not.

In the US, the greatest natural disaster threat is flooding.  Also, home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  In 1968, Congress recognized the burden these natural disasters placed on citizens and enacted the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  This helps those impacted to recover more quickly.  Determining your home’s level of flood risk is quite easy.  At FEMA, enter your address and you will find information about the level of risk for your home.  Homes in high risk areas naturally want the additional coverage of flood insurance.  For those in low or moderate risk areas, you will need to make some decisions.  Your agent will be able to help.  Nationally, it is estimated that one foot of water in a 1,000 sq. ft. home causes on average $27,150 damage.  For most, a flood event would be financially devasting.  To protect personal possessions and furniture, renters can also get flood insurance protection.  Whether you decide to get flood insurance or not, make sure that you understand your home’s risk level.

In the League City, TX area, the agents at ACU Insurance Services are ready to help you decide whether you need the additional protection that flood insurance provides.  Visit their website for information to get started then come into the offices to talk with an agent.  The time to protect the investment in your home is before anything happens.  Call or come by today!

If you are renting a home in League City, TX or surrounding areas, you should consider supplementing your renter insurance with a flood insurance policy. The benefits of a flood insurance policy supplementing with your renter insurance will provide you and your belongings solid coverage. Reasons below are why you should consider a flood insurance policy with ACU Insurance Services today.

Does my renter insurance cover floods?

The short answer to this question is that your renter insurance policy may cover your belongings in accidents and thefts, but flood damage is not one of those accidents. Flood damage is a disaster that is uncontrollable but is only included in its own policy. Unfortunately, many residents renting in flood zones do not have insurance, causing them to lose thousands in personal property during these disasters. Purchasing flood insurance allows you protection during these disasters and allows peace of mind knowing you are covered.

Does my landlord’s policy cover flood damage?

Although your landlord may have flood insurance on the property, it will only cover any structural damage and property damage caused by the flood. Anything that belongs to the landlord will be covered, but this is not the case for those renting and their families. As a renter, your personal belongings are not included in this policy, leaving you uninsured and forced to replace your personal property in such an event. Renters should have their own flood policy to prevent loss of all belongings.  

Get Your Policy Today

Although you do not own the home you are renting, you do own the possessions and property within. Although your renter insurance policy protects these belongings, flood damage is not covered. Protect your family and all of your property today with a flood insurance policy. ACU Insurance Services proudly serves the League City, TX area and has an agent ready to assist you today.