Does Your Home Need a Flood Insurance Policy?

Even if you live in an area not prone to flooding, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to the risk. That’s why it’s generally recommended that every homeowner get flood insurance. If you’re in the Fort Worth, TX area and considering this coverage for your home or buying a house that may require it, reaching out to us at SWH Insurance Agency LLC is a great choice. Our trusted agents are here to help you get the right flood policy so you can enjoy peace of mind in your home.

Some homes are in flood zones and generally require a flood policy if they have a mortgage. That’s because the lender will insist on this policy as a condition of buying the house. That protects the lender’s interests in the event of a flood and reduces their level of risk. However, even if you don’t have a mortgage, you may still want to get a flood policy on the home you’re purchasing or the one you already have.

Getting in touch with our agents is the right way to start finding flood coverage that meets your needs. We can provide you with quotes from several different insurers so you can choose the one that’s right for your home and specific situation. Whether you want us to look at your current policy, update it, or find a completely new one, there are great options when you work with an agent dedicated to helping you protect your home the right way.

Contact us today at SWH Insurance Agency LLC if you’re in the Fort Worth, TX area and looking for a flood insurance policy for your home. We want to help you have good coverage, confidence, and peace of mind so you can more fully enjoy your home and all it has to offer.

Understanding Basement Flood Insurance Coverage in Texas

Inclement weather can cause havoc in areas of Texas that have seldom been prone to tornadoes and severe storms. Now is the time to review your homeowner’s policy with your insurance agent to see if you qualify for flood insurance. Basement flood insurance has specific covered items you need to be aware of. 

  • Building Coverage—Your basement is covered under a Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) provided by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The basic flood policy includes coverage for pumping out floodwater, labor to extract cleaning solutions, treatment for mildew and mold, and drying of structural interior elements and equipment. Examples of items can include furnaces, water heaters, sump pumps, and electrical junction boxes.
  • Contents Coverage – This type of coverage is optional and must be purchased separately. Washers and dryers, air conditioning units, and food freezers are common items that need a separate policy. 
  • Exclusions to Contents Coverage—Personal property, such as computers and furniture, is not covered under basement flood insurance. Finished flooring and dehumidifiers are also examples of coverage exclusions. 

There may be some exceptions if items are considered permanent fixtures in the basement. Discussing all items with your insurance agent and providing serial numbers and pictures of personal property that are of concern is a good idea.

SWH Insurance Agency LLC, providing insurance in Fort Worth, TX, and the DFW metroplex, can give you important facts on the basics of flood insurance and provide solutions. Don’t wait until you feel an upcoming storm could bring damage to your underground living area. Most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect. 

 

Am I Required to Purchase a Flood Insurance Policy?

In most cases, flood insurance is considered an optional add-on to a homeowners’ insurance policy. The state of Texas does not make purchasing flood insurance mandatory. However, if you live in a part of Texas that is considered to be at high risk of flooding, it’s a good idea to purchase flood insurance. Some mortgage companies require that homeowners purchase flood insurance if the property is located in a high flood area. There do happen to be some homes in Whitesboro, TX that are considered to be more prone to flooding, so if you purchase one of these homes, you may be required to purchase flood insurance. 

Before You Buy Flood Insurance

Before buying flood insurance, you need to contact your insurance company to determine if it’s mandatory. Again, in most areas of Texas, flood insurance isn’t required, and if you don’t want to pay extra for flood insurance, you shouldn’t have to. 

Reasons to Consider Flood Insurance

Even if you live in a city where flood insurance isn’t a requirement, you might want to add it to your plan. With the weather changing unexpectedly due to global warming, you can never predict when flooding might occur in your area, and a normal homeowners’ insurance plan doesn’t cover damage sustained due to flooding. This is why FEMA recommends that you obtain this add-on insurance. 

Consult With Us

As you can see, in most cases, flood insurance isn’t required in the state of Texas. However, if you live in an area in Whitesboro, TX where flooding is prevalent, your mortgage company might require that you add this insurance to your homeowners’ insurance policy. At SWH Insurance Agency LLC, we provide our customers with top-notch service as well as great coverage. Give us a call today at SWH Insurance Agency LLC to obtain a quote.

Three important facts about flood insurance

Floods are a threat to your home and family. There’s no denying that fact. Yet misinformation can be even more dangerous. Many incorrectly assume they are safe, failing to take even the most basic precautions. Even in The Lone Star State, you are at risk of flooding under the right conditions.

Fortunately, SWH Insurance Agency LLC can help. Serving Whitesboro, TX, the agency wants to set the record straight when it comes to flood insurance.

Here are three important flood insurance facts that everyone should know:

Flood insurance is for everyone, everywhere.

It’s not just for homeowners. Renters may have some protection under their landlord’s policy, yet this is limited to the exterior of the building. And flooding can impact everyone at a moment’s notice. In fact, according to FEMA, individuals who live in low-to-moderate risk zones are still five times more likely to face a flood than a fire. Although it’s rarely required, flood insurance is always a necessity. 

Flood insurance is missing from most other policies.

You aren’t already covered. This is a common misconception. In reality, standard homeowners’ and renters’ plans exclude flooding. Only dedicated flood insurance coverage can safeguard your belongings and your residence from rising water.

Flood insurance is easy to add.

It’s often as simple as contacting your local, private insurance company. Your agent will evaluate your location and conduct a risk assessment to determine what policy is right for you. But each flood insurance policy is federally supported and backed by the National Flood Insurance Program.

Give Us A Call

SWH Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Whitesboro, TX community, provides more than just information. Our team of insurance experts can find a flood insurance policy that can keep you afloat if disaster strikes. Call us to set up an appointment today.

Why should someone get flood insurance in Texas?

Owning a home in the Whitesboro, TX area can be a good option for many people. If you are looking to purchase a home here, it would be wise to always have the proper insurance in place. One type of coverage that all people here should consider getting is flood insurance. There are various reasons why having an additional flood plan could be a good idea for someone in this part of Texas.

Flood Insurance: What You Need To Know

Ensures Protection from Flood Damage

A primary reason to get a flood insurance plan when in this part of Texas is to ensure that you are protected against the risk of flood damage. If your home is damaged by floodwaters, the cost of remediation can be significant. A great way that you can offset this concern is by investing in a flood insurance plan. This coverage offers specific support that will cover the costs needed to repair or replace your home. 

Ensures Compliance

It would also be a good idea to get flood coverage to ensure you are in compliance with your obligations. If your home is located in a flood zone, most mortgage lenders are going to require that you carry flood insurance to adequately protect your home. Similar requirements could be set by home associations. Having this coverage will ensure you meet these standards. 

Contact Us Today

Anyone that would like to purchase a property in the Whitesboro, TX area should ensure they are covered with the right insurance. For many, this can include having flood coverage. To determine whether this is the right insurance for your situation, working with SWH Insurance Agency LLC is a good option. The team of SWH Insurance Agency LLC understands the need for this coverage and will offer any guidance necessary to ensure you select the right plan. 

What types of water damage do most flood insurance policies cover?

A flood insurance policy can cover a number of different types of water damage. Because of this, it is a policy type that is often recommended to clients of SWH Insurance Agency LLC who reside in the greater Whitesboro, TX area.

How to protect yourself from different types of water damage

Water damage protection and coverage can be confusing because of all the different types of water damage that can occur. In many instances, your protection will differ if your damage is caused by a flood, burst water main, interior pipes, or severe weather. To further confuse the matter, many homeowners’ policies will cover some types of damage but not others.

Even if you do not live in a confirmed flood area, flood insurance may still be necessary for your situation. It only makes sense to have all of the insurance protection that you need across a range of different types. If you want to have protection from all types of water damage causes, it makes sense to look into flood insurance today. 

Sitting down with an experienced agent can help you gain a better understanding of the different types of policies available and what type of protection you may need for your home. It’s time to take the guesswork out of flood insurance and protect your home today!

Find out more about available flood insurance policy options today

SWH Insurance Agency LLC is here to meet the insurance needs of the Whitesboro, TX community. If you have questions about flood insurance, we are here to help! Give us a call or stop by our office today.

How to prepare your home to prevent flood damage

Whether you live in a high-risk flood area or not, it’s crucial to formulate a plan to protect your home and family if mother nature decides to strike hard. The internet provides a lot of information on preparing your home for floods, but it’s essential to understand that your needs and risks may not be the same as those of your neighbor or friends.  Depending on where your property is located in Whitesboro, TX, you may want to learn whether it’s in a low or high-risk flood area to be well-prepared.  SWH Insurance Agency LLC shares a few tips for preparing your home for floods to get you in the right direction.

Assess your risk level

Before you start making any significant adjustments, it’s essential to know where your property stands.  Your risk is much higher if your home is located near a water body. Remember risk levels keep changing due to various constructions and infrastructure improvements in your area.

Elevate electrical components

Once you’ve established your risk level, start working on the most dangerous areas, such as electrical components. Water and electricity don’t always get along, so elevate your sockets, switches and wiring systems at least 12 inches above the expected flood level.

Waterproof your basement 

The basement is the most affected area in any home following a flood event. If you live in an area that is frequently flooded, you need to waterproof your basement before it becomes a nightmare for you and your family.

Create an evacuation plan

No matter the risk level, it’s always prudent to have an evacuation plan in case your home becomes inhabitable. Let your family know your plan and practice it frequently to make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Get enough flood insurance

Don’t forget to buy enough flood insurance to replace and rebuild your home in case floods destroyed your home and your personal belongings.

Need to buy flood insurance in Whitesboro, TX? You’re in the right place. Our dedicated insurance agents at SWH Insurance Agency LLC can help you find a flood policy to protect your investment. Call us today.

We’re Moving!

Over the next couple of weeks we will be moving to our new location at 613 N Union here in Whitesboro. For our existing customers you can expect the same great service you have come to rely on with SWH. For those of you that are not yet with us, we will be having a ribbon cutting with the Chamber once we are settled and hope to see you there!

Are Your Belongings Covered if There’s a Flood?

A flood can cause a great deal of damage to your home’s structure and your possessions within your home. You may not be able to replace items of sentimental value, but you should secure a means of covering replacement and repair costs for your belongings in general. If you’re in the Whitesboro, TX area, our team at SWH Insurance Agency LLC can put together a flood insurance policy to fit your needs.

What Flood Insurance Covers

The average flood insurance policy only covers your home itself up to a certain amount of coverage. This is especially a good idea to have if you reside in an area considered a flood zone as the risk of such an event occurring and causing extreme damage is much higher.

Get an Additional Policy

You’d need to secure an additional policy outside of this to get your belongings covered by insurance. An independent agent can discuss what you’d like to be covered so that you can arrange for the appropriate amount in your policy. Companies have policy packages for such purposes, but you may have this adjusted depending on the company. You should go around your house and create an inventory, including photo documentation and receipts, of items you want to include.

SWH Insurance Agency LLC agents know the in’s and out’s of flood insurance. It can only benefit you to have a solid understanding of what’s not included in a basic flood insurance policy and items you know you’d like to replace. Still, you would be unable to do so if disaster strikes. Be prepared with insurance from our trusted agency that serves Whitesboro, TX, and beyond.