What you should know about flood insurance
Here's some basic information about flood insurance provided by Mike Howard, a spokesman for the Bothell office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Q: How do I get flood insurance?
A: It's available only from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But numerous insurance agencies can help owners of homes and businesses obtain it.
Q: How much does flood insurance typically cost?
A: The average annual cost for a residential policy in Washington state is $580. In King County, the average annual cost is $590.
Q: Is everyone eligible to buy flood insurance?
A: Anyone is eligible who lives in a community participating in the national flood insurance program. That program ensures communities are passing ordinances that protect their citizens against flooding. Virtually every community in Washington state participates in the program.
Q: If I sustained flood damage once and made a claim, can I still get insurance now?
A: Yes. That is the virtue of the national flood insurance program. But your degree of flood risk may affect your policy's cost.
Q: If my property floods repeatedly, can I still be insured?
A: Again, yes, if you've paid the premiums. No matter how often an area floods, properties there can be protected by insurance, so long as the properties comply with flood plain ordinances.
But FEMA may work with your community to reduce the incidence of flooding by encouraging a buyout or facilitating the elevation of your property.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: Visit www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm or call 1-800- 621-3362.
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