Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Insurance to Cover Insurance

Yes it has come to this. Customers who honorably pay their inflated insurance premiums dutifully and on time have to wonder what games their insurance company will play to deny or reduce their claim should the time arise that they ever need to file a claim. This insurance lunacy runs the gambit of all insurance arenas including auto, health, life, and property and has customers so scared of being denied or canceled when they file a legitimate and contractually obligated claim that people who have acute chest pains, for example, refuse to get checked out as they do not want to pay the bill and they are deathly afraid of a negative result getting back to their insurance carrier as either their premiums would increase dramatically or they will be canceled. Enough is enough.

It is not fair that a consumer who pays on time and in good faith is subjected to such demeaning and bad faith practices by the company the consumer specifically contracted to offset perceived and potential risk. It is not fair that the insurance company immediately takes an adversarial and intimidating stance any time any of its customers files a claim as the insurance company tortuously and unconstitutionally convicts the customer of filing a fraudulent claim without probable cause or evidence and mandates that the burden of proof of innocence is on the consumer. It is not fair that the insurance company adjustor is working against the interest of the customer while acting like the customer's best friend. It is not fair that the adjustor will savagely and sadistically employ psychological warfare against the in-duress customer in order to trap the customer in to making statements that will be leveraged to reduce or deny the claim. It is not fair that all regulatory bodies consider such unethical consumer abusing and bad faith practices as legitimate and fair practices. It is truly not fair that a consumer who employs the same bad faith tactics against the insurance company is guilty of insurance fraud but there are no penalties or consideration for the reverse injustice herein coined as "consumer fraud". No, consumer fraud is BIG business and the insurance companies are well leveraged to protect themselves from any potential liability for their bad faith policies and procedures.

While the concept of insurance to cover insurance is enticing, alas, it is unreasonable. Any risk assessment professional would cower at the prospect of insuring that the insurance company lives up to its contractually obligated policy. The risk assessment professional would know that despite the insurance company parking its Lamborghini outside the governmental assistance office and changing into its designer "poor" clothes before crying poverty, the insurance company is flush with cash and has spent a considerable amount to protect its "good neighbor" image. The costs and time associated with having to mitigate of all the insurance company's lies, deception, manipulation, and bad faith legalese make the concept of insurance to cover insurance a losing proposition.

As destitute as it sounds... there is HOPE. A professional independent water damage restoration company will have the resources and experience required to restore the customer's water damaged asset to its preloss condition by using a restoration company that is customer focused and will do everything it takes to satisfy the customer - not the lap dog of the insurance adjustor whose only ambition is to get a bone from the adjuster.

It's your money.
It's your choice.
Choose Wisely
Choose a customer focused, independent emergency restoration company.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K.
Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration
( http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/ ),
2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.


http://EzineArticles.com/6167804

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Keeping Children Safe During Floods

Floods are a danger to everyone, but even more so for children. Children are unaware of the hazards present in a flood so extra care needs to be taken to protect them from harm. Flood water is contaminated with varieties of different bacteria's which can spread harmful diseases, as well as the fact that they are at an increased risk of drowning.

Precautionary measures must always be taken in preparation for a flood. A flood survival kit will need to be compiled along with a flood plan, supplies of food and water kept in reserve and knowing how to turn off all mains supplies (gas, electricity and water). Being prepared gives you the best possible chance of survival during and after a flood.

During a flood it is likely that your water supply will become contaminated, it is therefore suggested that you keep a portable gas stove in your flood survival kit for boiling water because when you boil water it kills off any harmful bacteria residing in it. The same applies for water supplied from a bowser, bacteria can build up on the inside of the tanker depending on how often and when exactly it was last cleaned. This is especially important when you have infants feeding on formula. Precautions should always be taken by keeping a clean supply of bottled water for drinking and washing.

When heating water from a bowser for an infant's feed there are few measures that you will need to adhere to. First of all you will need to heat the water until it boils; boiling signifies that the water has reached a temperature where it is now safe to consume. When allowing the water cool, it should be kept inside a clean, sealable container to prevent cross-contamination and should be left for no longer than thirty minutes. Following this, the water should be added to the formula as usual. This should ensure the safety of your child's feed but it would be better to use bottled water if you are unsure. Another option is to keep a supply of pre-prepared formula milk which is used as an alternative to powdered milk. If you do not have the facilities to boil water, ensure that you keep a fresh supply of spring water (bottled water usually contain high levels of sodium, check the labels to make sure they have a level lower than 200). This can be used for formulas but must be given to the child as soon as it has been prepared. If you are unsure of your water supply, it is generally a good idea to contact your supplier for their advice.

Hygiene is extremely important at this stage. As most parents will know, children have a habit of putting things in their mouths. Keeping an eye on them to make sure that this doesn't happen and you will also need to make sure that they wash their hands on a regular basis, especially before meals. If you do not have a supply of water, supplies of baby/cleansing wipes are good alternatives.

Once you return to your home following a flood, you must still be vigilant of dangers. It is probably best to keep your child(ren) at another location until the clean-up process has been completed. The most obvious danger you will face is contamination, everything that has come into contact with flood water will have to be disinfected and sanitised. This will involve cleaning clothes, fabrics and toys which have come into contain with the water, sanitising all surfaces and cupboards as well as walls and doors. Other potential hazards include nails sticking out, raised flood boards and broken tiles. It is a good idea to clean down any pavements and grass, allowing it to return to normal, garages and cellars will also need to be allowed time to be fully ventilated before children enter them.

If at any point during or after a flood your child starts to exhibit symptoms like diarrhoea or sickness, you must contact your doctor or the emergency services immediately. Children's immune systems are not as strong as fully grown adults, so extra care must be taken during these times.

Post-flood clean ups can cause increased amounts of stress, to help aid this process it is best to ensure that you have the adequate flooding insurance. For those who live within an area considered to be at a high risk of flooding, it may be difficult obtaining home insurance, but there are some insurance providers willing to provide cover to those who need it regardless of their situation.

House flood insurance is often difficult to obtain to standard insurers, however there are specialist companies that will cover those with specific requirements, such as living in flood affected areas.


http://EzineArticles.com/6276336

Thursday, October 20, 2011

When Should I Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance?

If you have ever considered purchasing flood insurance, than you know that a policy will not take effect until thirty days after you enroll. This is designed to encourage people to get coverage well before seasons where inclement weather is more likely, and it's also a means to prevent insurance fraud. Therefore, if you wish to get a flood insurance policy on your home, the short answer is well before the rainy or hurricane season in your area. As for why you should have this insurance, there are many reasons to take into consideration.

1) Flood insurance is applicable regardless of where you live.

You might that, because you live inland and in an area not susceptible to hurricanes, that you are relatively safe from flooding. In truth, every home carries the same risk, no matter if you're perched along the coast or on a plain. Flash floods are aptly named because they can happen without warning, and a particularly active flood with waters up to 10-20 can carry away a car easily. Imagine what those powerful waters can do to your home!

Given recently activity in Tennessee, Missouri, and other parts of the country, you know that flooding doesn't discriminate. A sound policy will prove valuable and essential in the event of a flooding emergency.

2) Flood insurance is more affordable than the alternative.

Consider this: you may pay only a few hundred dollars a year in flood insurance depending on your home, location, and risk. When you realize that a federal assistance loan taken following a natural disaster could cost you thousands and take several years to pay off, don't you think it's more economical to have the right insurance policy in hand?

3) Some flood insurance policies help you recover more quickly.

Unlike other types of insurance, some flood policies allow you to take a partial payment after the fact, which gives you the advantage in terms of recovering your property. If you've had to deal with certain insurance companies before, you may have waited for weeks and even months for compensation. Here, you can plan to set things right while you wait for the rest of your payment.

4) Having the policy gives you peace of mind.

If you already have policies against theft, fire, and other natural disasters, why not have one that covers you in the event of rain and flood damage? Even one inch of heavy rain is capable of causing structural damage to your home, so it's best to cover all the bases.

Consider enrolling now for flood insurance through a reputable company. The sooner you have the policy in hand, the safer you will feel.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk flood insurance and Virginia Beach insurance.


http://EzineArticles.com/6354650

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Flood Insurance - Once the Mississippi or Missouri River Floods, It's Too Late to Buy It

If the floodwaters have already breached the Missouri River, or the Mighty Mississippi and that water is coming down your street then it is too late to buy flood insurance. I am often reminded by the famous quote; "When did Noah build the ark? Before the flood, remember?" In other words the time to buy your flood insurance, or make sure you are covered by the National Flood Insurance program is prior to the rainy season, or the severe snowmelt during times of heavy snowpack.

Indeed, when the snowpack is over 100%, and this happens on the West Coast during El Nino seasons, you are likely to find that the nation's flood insurance companies are not very willing to write policies, and remember the rainy season, and the snowpack in that case happen six months prior to the floods, when that snow melts. The same thing happens when buying insurance to protect your home from hurricanes which produce storm surges, or tidal surges.

Many companies will not sell you insurance at or about the time that Hurricane season starts. They want to sell you the insurance after hurricane season, so that you pay into the system for a while, before they wish to be paying out any claims. Likewise, obviously you can't buy earthquake insurance during an earthquake, or exactly afterwards, while there still is a risk of Aftershocks.

As we watched the floods in the spring and summer of 2011 in the Midwest, and along the Mississippi in the South, we felt for all those individuals, and no American wants to see their fellow citizens being flooded out. Of course there's not much you can do for them once the water starts flooding, the levees are breached, or the dams are opened to prevent floodwaters from rising and causing a catastrophe in a city with millions of people in it.

We can't expect insurance companies to sell insurance by the time that the Army Corps of Engineers puts out data in the media that the floods are coming, and chances are they will overflow the banks of these giant rivers. By then it's too late, and insurance companies aren't stupid, they will cut off all insurance policy sales at that point. Remember insurance companies are in business to make money, and they do this by sizing up the risks, and taking that gamble based on probability.

Therefore if there is a high probability of major floodwaters coming, they are not going to put their shareholders at risk, or the insurance company's retained earnings or assets. Indeed I hope you will please consider how the free-market works, and buy your flood insurance long before you might actually needed. Because if you wait, it will be too late.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,777 articles by 7 PM on June 27, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..


http://EzineArticles.com/6370789

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Importance of Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Protection

Flood Insurance is one type of insurance many people fail to realize they need. Most insurance companies offer customers flood insurance although not enough people take advantage of it. In the United States as well other countries there are certain areas that are more prone to floods. In some areas insurance companies require you move from such dangerous flood areas or at least take some preventative measures in case there ever be a flood.

Flood Insurance keeps you insured should water ever raise or flood enough to damage your home or possessions. It is especially important for those living on or near some type of water such as on a lake or along the beach. Customers usually pay an affordable monthly cost which often covers them from most weather related floods. The cost per month depends on how much your house is worth, what your possessions are worth as well as where your home is located. If you live in what is known as a high risk area such as in a beach house your monthly payments will certainly be more money.

Deciding whether or not you need flood insurance can be easy. Do you live in a high risk area? Is your home surrounded with water such as a dam, river or ocean? Does the city you live in often get heavy rain and severe flooding? If so it sounds as though you need insurance to protect your home and your belongings. Should a flood ever happen you will be protected and maybe pay a small fee instead of having to repair all of the damage yourself.

It generally covers structural damage done to a house or replaces lost items damaged due to flooding. Depending on what company you use flood insurance can cover floods due to natural disasters like earthquakes as well as man-made disaster. Some areas that are considered very high risk areas do not offer great coverage.

The price of flood insurance depends on a number of factors. First is where the house is located. If your home is located in a high risk area your payment may be very high. If you live in an area known for severe flooding you may have very high prices or not even be able to get insurance. The cost is also determined by what company you use as different companies offer different services as well as different prices.

This type of insurance is very important so checking all the facts and deciding if it is right for you is a great idea because you may end up needing it one day. Anyone can buy flood insurance and rest assures that their home is covered should a flood occur.

To Find out more information about flood insurance you may check out the authors website on insurance comparisons.


http://EzineArticles.com/6453388

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Importance of Home Flood Insurance

A flood insurance is separate from your usual homeowner's insurance. It is provided by a few insurance companies and comes with its own terms and pricing. This kind of insurance is not mandatory for every homeowner but only to those who live in a designated flood area and has a home mortgage. These places are usually designated by the Federal government as close to main rivers, oceans and dangerous flooding zones. For those who live away from these bodies of water, this insurance is available but only optional. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to get a policy if your home has a history of flooding from small ponds nearby, excessive rainfall or snow melts.

Remember that while floods can cause a huge destruction, the damage it caused is not covered by a homeowner's insurance. A home flood insurance offers the special coverage you would need to protect your home and things from rising waters. Furthermore, the insurance covers damage to home structure, water heater, furnace, furniture, appliances, rugs, clothing in basement areas, expenses incurred to protect your home against flood damage by sandbagging and covers cost after a flood, which includes removal or debris.

Flood insurance for your home is not as expensive as you might think and the coverage benefits definitely outweigh the cost of replacements and repairs. Homes situated in low to moderate risk areas could be eligible for PRP or Preferred Risk Policy, an affordable option that allows homeowners and business owners protection against the destructing effects of flood. Flood insurance for your home can be purchased through the NFIP or National Flood Insurance Program and other private companies. The government often backs most private insurance companies offering flood insurance. When purchasing an insurance from a private firm, it is necessary to check its financial capacity and reputation to make certain that it will be around if you file for a flood claim.

The price of a flood insurance is based on how much policy you purchase. There are typically maximum amounts available to replace home structure and personal possessions. Furthermore, it also depends on whether you purchase actual cash value or replacement cost insurance. A replacement cost insurance pays a claim to rebuild your home to be the same as to what it was before the flood damaged it. Cash value insurance replaces property and possessions less the value of depreciation.

Another thing to take into consideration when buying flood insurance is the excess insurance. If your home and belongings is worth more than the maximum limit amount of a standard insurance, then you could consider paying for more insurance aside from that known as excess insurance. Again, it is best to consider the financial standing of an insurance company for your excess coverage and the flood insurance rate as well. Typically, it will take thirty days after you purchase that the policy can be effective. Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared ahead of time and consider buying a home flood insurance policy immediately.


http://EzineArticles.com/6161170

Monday, October 10, 2011

What to Look For in a Flood Insurance Plan

Don't be fooled by blistering hot weather, for even during the peak of summer you may encounter a severe storm that results in a flash flood. There's something about the heat that inspires summer rain, and if you are unfortunate to get caught in foot-high water or higher without the proper insurance policy, you could find your dreams of a quick recovery easily washed away.

You don't have to have a beach home to obtain a flood insurance policy. Floods are capable of occurring inland as well as near the shorelines. Unlike regular home insurance policies, which typically do not cover damage resulting from a flood, this supplemental policy is good to have if you believe your property is situated in an area that is susceptible to high rains and the possibility of overflowing bodies of water. One positive to owning a policy is that it is not expensive to upkeep, and a valid policy proves more beneficial when you need to replace or repair property after a flood.

To find the right insurance program for you, it may be necessary to research your options. You will find several agencies in your area specialize in flood and fire insurance, so if you are unable to get a policy from your regular agent he/she can likely recommend resources for you.

What to Look For in a Flood Insurance Plan

Once you have decided to enroll in a plan to protect your home assets in the event of flood, you will want to find the best possible policy. Here are just a few things to look for in a good flood insurance protection program.

1) Overall cost. Depending on where you live and what you have to protect, you could pay as little as $100 a year or as much as $300 a year on your policy. Coverage and restrictions may vary depending on the final cost.

2) Type of coverage. Plans vary with regards to your living situation. You can have a policy specifically tailored to a condo in a complex or a detached property.

3) Turnaround in service. Ask around about the companies in your area. In the event of a flood, how quickly does an agency file your claim and handle payment? The object of flood insurance is to help you receive what's due in a reasonable time so you can begin rebuilding your home and life. A good insurance plan works quickly to get you on your feet again after a bad storm.

Cost and quick payment are two obvious qualities to look for in a good insurance company. When you shop for flood insurance, connect with other policy holders for their recommendations.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk flood insurance and Virginia flood insurance.


http://EzineArticles.com/6449637

Friday, October 7, 2011

Flood Insurance: What You Need To Know

Flood insurance is essential because of the many flood cases occurring in the different parts of the country. Such insurance will help protect your property, as flood can be devastating. It is one of the major causes of damages in many households. If you do not want to feel helpless after a flood destroys your property, get one.

Do you need it?

Although flood insurance is a good investment, you still have to asses if you really need one and check the type of coverage you should get. Flood has been a problem in several parts of the country but there are also communities that have not experienced it in years. The question is, should you have a fire insurance policy even if you live in a high and dry area?

Although you do not live in a flood prone area, it is recommended that you get a flood insurance. This is because you remain at risk. Several insurance providers have provided aid to policyholders residing in areas that are not prone to flood. This because flood can occur anywhere, at anytime and can be a result of many varying causes.

Some areas may leave the acquisition of such insurance to your discretion. However, this is not the case in Special Flood Hazard Areas. This is required from properties located in this area before they can build a new structure, improve a current structure or buy a property.

How to choose a flood insurance?

Choosing the best flood insurance is essential to ensure that your home is protected. Here are some tips to help you find the best insurance provider.

1. Research online and learn about the different insurance provider. You can find helpful information online. Check the profile of the insurance company. Check any complaints or testimonies concerning their services. You can also contact a policyholder and ask about the services provided by the company.

2. In addition to company information, you should also gather information about their rates and fees. Compare their rates, other charges and benefits. You might be able to negotiate a company to give you discounts once they know that you are considering another company to insure your home.

3. Contact an insurance agent and ask what company he can recommend, you do not have to work with that agent right away. Ask a few questions first, if you find him helpful, you can set and appointment with him to discuss your options. Having a competent agent can give you the advantage as he has contact with multiple insurance companies. This means that he can present you with different companies that may address your needs properly.

Flood insurance will protect your home. You do not have to worry about where to get money for the repair of your property due to the flood. This is advisable even if you are living in a dry area. This is because flood can occur anywhere. It is best to be protected at all times. Moreover, you have to find the right policy for you. Start your search online. Gather the essential information and make your choice.

Consider the Nearly New Central Coastal San Diego Homes for Sale and the One Story Homes in Central Coastal CA for your next home.


http://EzineArticles.com/6020243

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Does Your Flood Insurance Include Purposeful Government Sanctioned Preemptive Flooding?

Indeed, 2001 was a terrible year for the United States with regards to flooding. We watched as the Mississippi and Missouri River both breached levees in many states. We also noted the incredible snow pack in Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and California and the runoff in June of 2001 was significant, causing all sorts of flooding, and some rather serious incidents as you already know. Of course, the time to buy flood insurance is before the flood.

What was that famous line in the movie; "when did Noah build the ark, before the flood remember?" Yes, I love that quote, and I use it quite often, and yet buying flood insurance is quite expensive, especially if you live in a flood zone, and then there is the 50 year flood, or the hundred year flood, those are flooding events which are way beyond the normal cycles of droughts and rainy seasons, and when they come there can be devastation, loss of life, and massive property damage.

Now then, when it comes to flooding not all flood insurance policies are the same. If you buy hurricane insurance, it may cover the tidal surge, but maybe not the massive rain which the hurricane brings along with it, which flood out your property later. After all that massive amount of rain may occur far upriver, and after the storm is gone then that water comes down, maybe even after a couple of more storms later in the season. You see the problem?

Now then, if you will recall The Army Corps of Engineers had no choice as the Mississippi levees were in danger and that peak of the flood would have flooded massive parts of New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Louisiana, where millions of people live. Therefore they opened the dams along the Mississippi and allowed the water to flood into a 3000 square mile area. Unfortunately, there were small towns and cities in its path, and they were purposely flooded to save the larger area. Yes, those are hard choices to make, nevertheless the people were mandatorily evacuated, and a deluge of water was released.

Okay so, you may not realize this but even if you had flood insurance in those areas the flood insurance company would not pay on the policy because the government purposely flooded the area therefore you'd be directed to contact the government to get paid for your damages, after all it was their fault, and their decision to flood out your home and town. Most people don't realize this, and yet it's hard to say if the government will even pay, we shall see. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,333 articles by May 26, 2011 is difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..


http://EzineArticles.com/6304082

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Funding For Flooding

The governmental division in charge of dealing with problems pertaining to flooding is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and they have released preliminary information concerning spending over the next four years. Though exact budgets are yet to be finalised, the ultimate amount to be allocated to flooding and coastal erosion is predicted to be at least £2.16 billion (equating to an average of £540 million per year). In past years, DEFRA has invested some £50 million more each year in dealing with flooding related problems, however in the current economic climate they are being forced to make huge cuts (as have numerous other government departments).

Forecasted figures are roughly 8% less than the £590 million pa (invested over the last four years) with savings being offset by "efficiencies within delivery and procurement, and better risk-based prioritisation". These techniques come in response to the October Spending Review in 2010, where by government departments have been made to resolve spending budgets until 2014-2015. In the last 4 years DEFRA claims to have surpassed the projected target of increasing flood protection for 145,000 houses (estimating that the final figure would be nearer to 170,000 properties with better safety) through the work carried out by the Environment Agency and other operating authorities.

An identic same target (145,000 properties) is set for the next 4 years, although meeting this may not be so simple with a reduced budget. The approximated £2.1 billion is going to be divided into £1 billion in working capital (at approximately £261 million pa) and £1.1 to be spent on resources. Resources consist of maintenance of existing defences, flood forecasting ability and incident response development; creating 'programme' spending. The expenses also cover 'admin' paying for staff as well as office operation. DEFRA also states that it "remains dedicated to fully funding local authority new burdens under the Flood and Water Management Act".

DEFRA plans to provide as much as £36 million pa to lead local flood authorities, although in 2011-2012 the amount is going to be nearer to £21 million during 'phasing in'. Local authorities spending is also sustained by formula grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government, and between '08 and '11, the £2.15 billion invested included around £280 million in contributions from local governments. Formula grant and area based grant are being left to local authorities to choose how it is spent and allocated locally, within the limitations of overall limits on local budgets and possible need to invest in other local priorities.

When it comes to floods, preparation must begin at home. Making homes and businesses individually flood resilient or resistant is a smart precaution for a property owner to take. Even with millions of pounds being ploughed into flood defence on a national scale, no guarantees are given by the government that you will be protected should flooding arise. Taking precautionary measures to make your property less prone to flood damage is not just going to enable you to protect your home and your household, however will likely contribute to obtaining a lower insurance policy rate.

Buying flood defence is a good idea on a domestic level as well as on a nationwide one. Flood home insurance for those within greater flood risk areas is more expensive in comparison with that for individuals within low risk locations and is infamously difficult to find online. Some insurance companies still offer competitive online quotes for flooding insurance, regardless of whether you live in a moderate or (even) high flood risk area. Flood risk insurance ought to be available to the people who need it most; not just to those who are not at much immediate risk.


http://EzineArticles.com/6359229

Thursday, September 29, 2011

4 Solid Reasons to Make Sure You Are Protected By Flood Insurance

Imagine having to evacuate your home following a hurricane or flood warning. With little time to pack, you grabs what is most precious to you, get the family into the car, and head for higher ground. Coming home afterward, you find your home and surrounding area has sustained damage - maybe some of it can be repaired, but there's a good chance you might lose some valuable possessions to storm damage. With flood insurance coverage, however, you may receive due compensation for your losses.

Homeowners who don't live along the shore or in beach areas susceptible to hurricanes may think of flood insurance as an unnecessary expense. What's the point of extra coverage if you live in a land-locked area, right. Well, when you consider that floods are apt to happen anywhere in the world - not just where it's sea level - you may think differently. Homeowners in Tennessee learned the hard way when flooding damaged homes and businesses. If it can happen there, it can happen where you live on a day of heavy rain that encourages water systems and rivers to overflow.

Still not convinced that you should strongly consider a flood insurance policy. Think about this:

1) Getting a policy now is more cost effective than paying to repair damage later. A flood insurance policy could cost you as little as a few hundred dollars a year. Stack this up against loans paid out to those rendered homeless by floods. Pennies a day versus years of paying back money is definitely a no-brainer.

2) Policy holders can experience a quicker relief turnaround. If you have a policy in hand, you might find it easier to get compensation than if you didn't have this kind of insurance. It's not uncommon for people to wait weeks or even months for their insurance companies to deliver checks. Flood insurance makes it easier on you.

3) Your traditional home policies may not cover all damage sustained from flooding. Check with the provider and consider a flood policy where necessary.

4) These policies will not take effect until thirty days after you get one. So if you are sitting at home watching the weather reports and worrying that flood waters are headed your way, getting a last-minute policy will not help you. You need to be prepared well in advance.

Flood insurance can provide peace of mind during a season of bad weather. You may not be able to replace everything lost in a bad storm, but a solid policy can at least help you rebuild in a timely manner.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk flood insurance and Virginia flood insurance.


http://EzineArticles.com/6375223

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Flooding - Reporting a Flood

Flooding isn't defined as one single type, there are actually several types which can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these problems to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible means that they will be fixed quicker allowing you to return back to your normal daily routine. Different types of flooding have different authorities who deal with them. This guide is aimed at helping you to understand the different types of flooding and who exactly is in charge of resolving them.

Main River or from Watercourses

Contact: The Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency should be notified as soon as any river or watercourse starts to overflow. The Environment Agency also provide a 24hr 'Floodline' for information and advice.

Should your property be adjoined to a river or watercourse, you are then responsible for the maintenance of the banks, verges as well as keeping it free from debris. If you fail to do this and it leads to the damage of other properties, you could be held liable for lack of maintenance contributable to flooding.

Flooding isn't defined as one single type, there are actually several types which can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these problems to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible means that they will be fixed quicker allowing you to return back to your normal daily routine. Different types of flooding have different authorities who deal with them. This guide is aimed at helping you to understand the different types of flooding and who exactly is in charge of resolving them.

Burst Water Mains

Contact: The local water supplier - details of who the local water supplier is can be found at the Water UK website.

The local water supplier is responsible for your water supply and pipes which also include the stopcock on the boundary of your property. If the flooding originates from within your property, then you are in charge of contacting a plumber to resolve the problem (or the landlord if applicable). Should the flooding spread to neighbouring properties and cause damage, you are then held accountable and you could be liable for compensation claims.

Drains and Roads

Contact: Local authorities in charge of road maintenance - details of who to contact in your local area can be found on the Directgov website.

Notifying the local council (who have copies of all sewage and drainage systems) will enable them to contact the utility provider responsible for maintaining public drains and sewers. Direct details of the utility providers can also be found on the Water UK website (see above). Alternatively, some sewers and drainage are owned privately therefore making the property owners using them liable for maintenance. Seeing as these situations can arise at any time, it is best to check with you insurance provider that you are covered for flooding.

Insurance

Floods can arise at any time for any reason, therefore it is best to ensure that you have the appropriate home insurance. For those who live within an area at a greater risk of flooding, obtaining the necessary insurance cover can be somewhat difficult. Insurers perceive these areas to be 'high risk' and try to avoid providing coverage for this reason. However, there are a number of insurance providers will to provide the appropriate insurance coverage where need irrespective of your situation.

It is best to shop around when looking for flooding insurance. Never settle on the first price your are offered as their could be another provider who can provide you with better cover for a better price.


http://EzineArticles.com/6244671

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Flood Insurance Quote - Do Your Research

Images of the floods which had such a heart-wrenching impact on Queensland and Victoria earlier in the year, really stick in your mind. It's a big reminder of the all-consuming strength of nature, & the very real importance of our property and ourselves, all of the time. If you live in a flood-prone area, insurance will offer some peace of mind that your home or business, which you spent many years establishing, will be protected if the unthinkable happens. If you're currently looking for a flood insurance quote, then here are a few points to ponder on.

One fact you should be aware of, is that a lot of standard home & contents packages from an insurance agent, do not cover floods. water damage caused by something in your home malfunctioning, maybe. Not floods, though. It's important to check policies you currently have very carefully. See if you're covered for floods. If you aren't, and you're in a house that could be flooded, it would be worth investigating your options. As your friends and colleagues as this can be useful, and you can also start researching what insurance companies have in the way of flood insurance.

The other vital consideration when looking for a flood insurance quote, is that there are different types of flood coverage. Companies and policies vary, as is normal, but as a guideline, the main definitions will include the following: Flash Flooding is stormwater and/or rain water run-off and flash flooding refers to flooding which is the result of a brief, but intense, storm producing immediate area flooding; river or inland flooding is flooding produced when rivers, creeks or dams go out of their banks after a prolonged rainfall; and storm surge aka sea level rise, means flooding caused by rising ocean water.

To obtain insurance coverage that's tailored for your own particular circumstances, read up on your many options & contact several insurance companies for a flood insurance quote. When you have several providers in mind, you can start policy comparisons, inclusions & costs. It's vital that you're careful when reading the relevant information, in order to ensure you know to the letter, what insurance you are getting. Mother Nature doesn't come with any guarantees, but excellent insurance coverage will offer some certain peace of mind. It's hard to ignore the things that Mother Nature may let loose on us occasionally, but with good flood insurance you will have peace of mind in at least that area!

Jenny writes about a flood insurance quote, travel, fitness, and many other things she's had experience with.


http://EzineArticles.com/6429543

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

What Is the Claims Process for Disaster Victims?

The Five Steps to Recovering Your Life After Your Home and Life Have Been Destroyed

Why use a Public Insurance Adjuster?

1. Read everything carefully before you sign anything. Your insurance company's representatives will first present you with emergency money - for immediate needs and shelter. The second round of payouts is where you need to be careful. Do not sign anything that limits your rights to seek additional proceeds.

2. Find a copy of your insurance policy. If it is destroyed or is not accessible, you should be able to get a full copy of the original insurance policy with all of its endorsements from the agent who sold you the coverage.

3. Make sure your family is safe. Most insurance policies include language that enables you to find a residence similar to your existing one. Find a hotel or rental home close to work or your kids' school that is adequate in size and clean and comfortable. Find a place similar in size and accommodations to your previous residence.

4. Get some professional help. Insurance companies hire and train their adjusters to represent the interests of the insurance company and ultimately, its investors. In many instances those adjusters do a great job helping their policyholders. However, sometimes their adjusters are too keenly focused on the bottom line of the insurance company instead of paying the policyholder what they are rightly due under the terms of their insurance policy. If you have doubts about what your insurance company is telling you, or you are simply do not have enough time and expertise to completely value and settle your claim, contact a professional that will work for you and will only represent your best interests.

5. If you go it alone, go slowly and take your time. The insurance company may pressure you to speed up the process - you may be anxious to put all of this behind you as quickly as possible in order to get back to your life, but you need to resist that urge. In these types of cases, especially with homes that have many improvements and renovations, or with families with lots of possessions, haste definitely makes waste. Take your time and carefully review each and every document before signing anything. If you don't agree with the estimates for repair or replacement provided by your insurance provider, fight back.

Why use a Public Insurance Adjuster.

In many cases, the Public Adjuster is able to get more money from the Insurance Company than you will be able to on your own. Even after deducting the Public Adjuster's small percentage fee (much less than using a lawyer), you will probably still come out ahead.

For most families affected by a disaster, the biggest advantage of using a Public Insurance Adjuster is that they can get back to living their life while a professional handles all of the details. Instead of spending 20 hours or more a week, researching replacement and rebuilding costs, analyzing and completing various forms, and negotiating with insurance company adjusters and restoration experts, the Public Adjuster can do all of that. This means you can get back to your family life. Normalcy and a return to a routine schedule will greatly help you and your family adjust and move on.

For many, the time savings and the emotional satisfaction of having a professional handle the minutiae and painful negotiations is much more important than whatever added funds the adjuster is able to get for them. It's more than just the money.

http://www.qualityclaims.com/

Ron Reitz is president of San Diego-based Quality Claims Management Corp., a nationally licensed public insurance adjuster, providing hazard claim recovery services to investors, mortgage servicers, homeowners and businesses. Earlier, he pioneered the national hazard insurance claims business of GMAC-RFC (now GMAC-ResCap). He is the past president of the California Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and currently serves on the board of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Contact Quality Claims Management at (866) 45-1183 or http://www.qualityclaims.com/.


http://EzineArticles.com/6424662

Monday, September 19, 2011

An Inexpensive and Effective Alternative to Flood Insurance

Are you looking for an inexpensive alternative to flood insurance? If so, look no further than the sump pump. The "sump" is a reservoir, usually located in the lowest level of your basement, where excess water drains and is then "pumped" outside, away from the home. Put these two functions together and what do you get? A sump pump!

The Sump Value

Sump pumps are valuable for a number of reasons. When groundwater levels rise due to heavy rain, these pumps expel water flowing indoors far enough away from your home to avoid water damage. They can also rid a basement of any water that rises upward from an oversaturated ground supply. Whether water enters your basement from above- or below-ground, they can keep your basement dry. In this way, they are a great and inexpensive alternative to flood insurance, which, in some areas of the country, can cost more than a thousand dollars each year.

Why Stay Dry?

Why is it important to keep a basement dry? A basement is considered "wet" if there is a small amount of moisture, such as condensation on the walls or windows, or if there is a more immediate issue, such as standing water. Either scenario can cause serious problems for both your home and your health.

Wet basements often result in mold growth, unpleasant smells, and structural damage. It is important to keep a basement dry so that your entire home (including the basement) is a safe and livable environment free from mold and mildew, and so that the integrity of your home's foundation is not compromised. Sump pumps are especially important in areas with wet climates or areas prone to bursts of heavy rain.

Types of Sumps

There are many types of pumps available for homeowners. The TripleSafe? sump pump system includes three pumps, which provide continuous flood protection in the event that one pump fails or there is too much water for a single pump to handle. If a storm is so powerful that your power goes out, you can rest easy knowing that the UltraSump® Battery Backup sump pump will keep your home protected. The UltraSump can expel more than 11,000 gallons of water from a crawl space!

Speaking of the crawl space, if your home's crawl space is the place where flooding usually occurs, the SmartSump? crawl space sump pump system provides superior flood protection. It also includes a vapor barrier system to keep your crawl space dry and healthy. You can even connect a dehumidifier hose directly to the SmartSump crawl space sump pump system to ensure the highest level of protection.

Why?

Why pay hundreds of dollars a year (or more) on flood insurance when you can install a safe, reliable, and effective sump pump that will provide year-round flood protection? A basement without one is susceptible to flooding, mold, and moisture buildup. It's time to determine which type of pump best suits your home, budget, and climate, so that you can rest easy during the next heavy rain!

Contact the experts at Basement systems, Inc. for more information about sump pumps and for a free estimate for basement waterproofing and crawl space repair.


http://EzineArticles.com/6342699

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fire And Flood Insurance - The Most Common Insurances

While you may well expect an earthquake in Los Angeles or Haiti and, as such, you'd be in a rush to insure your building, if you own it, maybe you'd not be as eager to insure your building against floods, if it is placed in an area where traditionally they don't take place. But even if Al Gore with his movie 'An Inconvenient Truth' hasn't succeeded to convince you as regards global warming, climate changes have become pretty obvious for everyone, so it's hard to dismiss them. Catastrophic floods have been witnessed in places where they don't usually happen, like in France or Germany.

And besides, they don't have to be natural, a banal water leak may lead to the flooding of your entire building, and, if it has as catastrophic an impact, what does it matter if the flooding is natural or accidental? After all, insurances are meant for effects, not for causes.

As regards fires, it works pretty much in the same way. While entire forests may get on fire, like in Portugal, for instance, in urban areas, fires are rather accidental than natural, being due to short-circuits, electrical appliances left unmonitored, wire defects or simply human errors. But exactly as you don't want to see your building transforming into a pile of rubble and mud, you don't want to see it reduced to a pile of ashes. So given that fires and flooding are so likely to happen, fire and flood insurances are proportionally common.

Even if they might not endanger the building itself, being rather local, for your business, the contents or stock may be as vital and their destruction as catastrophic. While arguably the IT hardware is by no means as expensive as the said building, if you are an IT company and your very activity hangs on the said hardware, then it is priceless for you, regardless of the actual price of the physical object. On the same lines, if you are a restaurant owner, your old French wines and the rare truffles for which your establishment is sought by important customers may be for you worth an entire building because, if you lose the custom, you will lose your business. As such, you have to insure your building, contents and stock at least against the most frequent enemies - fire and water.

Even so, if you don't have professional indemnity insurance and your customers get directly affected while on your premises, you may lose everything by being sued afterward, even if your contents and stock remain intact.

As a professional firm or practice you will need professional indemnity insurance often as a mandatory requirement of your institute, your client and to protect yourself and your business.


http://EzineArticles.com/6013580

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Take Out Flood Insurance For Your Home

For the most part, people who own houses always have some kind of insurance that they tale out for their houses just in case calamity strikes. But for those people who live in areas that are prone to flooding or near the water have to take out additional flood insurance since well, their homes are indeed very prone to flooding and everyone knows how damaging those flood waters can be. There is just no reason for these people not to get flood insurance since doing so might make them vulnerable to high repair costs where their houses are concerned.

Everyone is aware that weather patterns are changing drastically and this has meant that in some places, the flood map has shown some signs of expanding. Now, first thing that you have to know is that insurance companies are for the most part businesses and they will want to make money so in some instances, getting flood risk insurance has been close to impossible for some people or, if not impossible, they do end up paying quite a steep price for it. There are even some companies that just flat out refuse to cover the flood insurance for those people whose properties fall in flood prone areas.

But rest assured that there are some companies out there that still offer flood risk insurance to homeowners that live in flood prone areas. What they do is before they give you an approval, they first assess your house and the risks before they approve anything but there is a chance that they will approve your insurance so that is always good news for homeowners. They do this because there are some instances that houses do fall in flood prone areas but are located on top of hills so the chances of that house getting flooded are pretty much slim to none.

Those people who live in flood prone areas can also learn a thing or two about safety from these companies that go out of their way to offer you top service as well as a good insurance coverage. They will teach you various techniques that you may use in cases of floods so that you can help minimize the damage to your house or yourself just in case there is a flood.

Insurance is very important when you are a homeowner but what is more important is that you get an assessment for the type of insurance that you will need.

For further details on flood insurance please visit our website that is designed to compare flood risk insurance quotes with leading UK brokers and insurers.


http://EzineArticles.com/6500297

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Buy Flood Insurance Before It Is Too Late - Noah Knew That

When did Noah build the ark? Before the flood right, yes, and that was his insurance to save all the Earth species, as the story goes. Likewise, before the flood is when you ought to buy flood insurance as well. You can't just watch the news and see that there is a big storm coming, or a Hurricane is going to hit the shoreline near you, or perhaps there are 4-storms lined up back-to-back and you live next to a levee on the Missouri or Mississippi - it doesn't work that way - no matter how much you wish it could.

Further, getting flood insurance in some areas is impossible, as no one is offering it. And the Federal Flood Insurance program, if you are involved in that, it could be quite costly, so you might wish to look into all that by going to the Federal National Insurance Flood Program Website.

Channel 7 ABC News in Los Angeles put out a news alert on May 14, 2011 and story titled; "Mississippi River Floodgate Opens - The Morganza spillway has opened for the first time since 1973 to drain the swelling of the Mississippi River" and the article and news segment stated;

"A 10-ton, steel emergency floodgate has been opened for the first time in nearly four decades to drain the swelling of the Mississippi River. About 25,000 folks and 11,000 structures could be in harm's way when the Morganza spillway unlocked. Water to submerge about 3,000 square miles, and in some areas water levels could put the ground under 25 feet of water."

Indeed, within a few hours the news was on every single major news station, but guess what? If the government opens the flood gates and purposely allows one area to flood out to save an entire city down river, or protect a large levee from being breached in this case - there are generally clauses in the flood insurance contract which void the flood insurance company's obligations to pay a flood claim on your home or business.

Now then, FEMA may provide temporary housing, money, or offer a low-cost loan to help the people in the area get back on their feet. Of course, this isn't the same as having flood insurance. Remember you need to be fully insured before the rainy season, because once it starts you may not be able to get coverage in time. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,200 articles by May 15, 2011 is difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..


http://EzineArticles.com/6269436

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions: Water Damage Remediation

You come home and you find your floor is full of water. You identify the source and stop the leak. Then you grab your wet/dry vacuum cleaner and suck up all the excess water. There are still a few damp area and it smells kind of musty so you open the window and will nature take its course. In your mind your Do-it-Yourself attitude just saved you a ton of money. Case closed.

The Do-it-Yourself attitude is admirable and the laudable hallmark of American culture but such attitude can prove to be, as in this case, misguided and have potential long term health and financial consequences.

Issue 1: Using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to extract the water

Problem 1: This extraction usually does not extract all the moisture from the affected area

Why this matters to you1: The remaining water can promote structural decay and be a catalyst for mold.

Issue 2: Opening widow to dry naturally

Problem 2: In hot, humid regions, such as FL, the sweltering heat can actually prevent evaporation

Why this matters to you2: This prevents drying and is an IDEAL condition for accelerated mold growth.

Issue 3: Employing Do-it-Yourself to save money

Problem 3: In many cases, the honorable and honest Do-it-Yourself attempt ends up costing more money

Why this matters to you3: Losing money is bad no matter how you look at it. The potential savings can be offset by having to redo the work and the need for special equipment that is used one time.

Why should I care about Mold?

It is well established that exposure to certain types of mold are well known to have serious health effects in humans. It is certainly not in the interest of anyone to be exposed to mold.

OK, so I'll hire a carpet cleaning company to get rid of my water.

This is a logical step as the typical carpet cleaner will have access to better commercial vacuum equipment than the homeowner but this logic fails in two main areas, cost and ability. Trying to save money by hiring a carpet cleaner can have negative budgetary impact depending on the company used and time involved. While many carpet cleaners are exceptional at their trade and are, usually, worth every penny, carpet cleaners do not know how to remove water from walls, monitor and control ambient moisture, and other such concerns of a professional water damage remediation company.

So how can I get rid of this water and save money?

The best way of getting rid of water damage, preventing or eliminating exposure to mold, and saving money is by hiring a professional water damage restoration company. An independent, professional water damage restoration company is professionally trained and intra-industry certified to thoroughly and professionally handle all aspects of structural drying, odor control, mold handling and removal, and other relevant water damage restoration considerations. More importantly, in many cases, such services can be done at NO or little cost to the property owner using methods including direct insurance billing.

So why pay out of pocket and do the work yourself when the professionals can do the work for you at little to no cost? It's a no brainer.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K.

Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.

Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.


http://EzineArticles.com/6454406

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

4 Huge Risks When It Comes to Water Damage in Crawlspaces

Flood damage to a basement or crawl space can be a potential nightmare to cleanup as it poses several different risks. Most homeowners never enter their basement for even several years at a time and are often clueless about how to go about doing water restoration work in a basement or crawlspace. While water extraction or water removal can be somehow managed by a homeowner in their basement, water restoration to crawlspaces will be very difficult.

In either case, it is highly recommended that homeowners seek the help of a professional water damage company to carry out the restoration work in their basement or crawlspace as self restoration work in the basement poses several safety and technical challenges.

Risk of electrocution and natural gas poisoning - Many a home will have the electrical wiring and natural gas pipes routed through the basement. Extensive flood damage in the basement can pose a risk of electrocution or gas poisoning. Only a contractor will know what precautions to take before actually carrying out water extraction work in the basement or crawlspace.Risk of mold and potential damage to the structure of the building - Humidity levels are very high in basements and crawlspaces which will mean that water damage can easily result in extensive mold damage. Mold is a very serious problem that can pose both health risks to the people living in a property as well as physical damage to the construction materials of a property. Only a professional water damage company will be able to fully analyze the moisture levels and potential mold problems in your basement and take preventative or reactionary measures accordingly.Risk of being bitten in the basement - The basement is often home to poisonous spiders, snakes and scorpions. A seasoned contractor will often wear protective clothing to protect himself from potentially fatal bites. In addition to the creepy crawlies in the basement, there is also a risk of exposure to accumulated radon gas which the contractor will tackle by wearing a gas mask.Risk of improper water extraction in the basement or crawlspace - One would have to be very careful about the water removal techniques when pumping out water from a basement space. This is because the walls of a basement can collapse if the water is pumped out too quickly. This will happen because of dramatic change in pressure on the walls.In conclusion, it is best that you seek the services of a good, reputable water damage company to carry out restoration work in your basement or crawlspace.

Daniel Camara is the owner of PuroClean Home Rescue, a restoration and mitigiation company that specializes in Water Damage, Fire Damage, Mold and Odor Removal. Puroclean is one of the largest property mitigation and restoration professional service firms in the country. With nearly 300 offices across the U.S., we respond to all emergencies immediately.

If you need any helpful advice on property restoration please visit us on our website at waterdamageout.com or contact us from the contact page.


http://EzineArticles.com/6122679

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Emergency Water Damage Cleanup - Here's What You Need to Know

Your home can be damaged by water seepage from a number of different causes. Some of the most common causes of water damage to homes are builder and contractor negligence. Leaky pipes and blocked drains can make water seep indoors and cause damage to the interiors. Sometimes, natural disasters like floods, storms or hurricanes can also cause a lot of damage.

If you want to arrest and minimize the damage done to your home, you need to hire the services of emergency water damage cleanup experts. The sooner the problem is attended to, the lesser the damage to your home. The cost of cleanup would also be less if the problem is dealt with as early as possible. Water damage is not a pretty sight. It could be an eye sore to see your beautiful home marred by leaking water and floating debris. Even if the water leaks from a pure water source like a faucet, it can often get mixed with dirt and grime embedded inside joints and under carpets. This can soil the walls and other furnishings, making it more difficult to clean up the mess.

Water seeping through the walls or ceiling could also be dangerous as it can come in contact with electrical wiring. You might receive an electrical shock just by touching the walls. It is wise to turn off the power first and ensure that the rooms are safe enough to enter into. You then need to locate the source of leakage and arrest it as quickly as possible. Damp walls can also become a breeding ground for mold. This can damage the walls even further. Mold can make the cleanup process more difficult and complicated. It is therefore necessary to attend to the problem at the very earliest.When you contact your local emergency cleanup service, you should ensure that they provide 24/7 emergency service. Unless they are accessible round the clock, you may not be able to get in touch with them in an emergency.

Water damage most often gives rise to other problems like soiled carpets, dampness of walls and a lot of mess, especially if the sewer was the source of leakage. The water cleanup agency should also be able to offer all other related damage restoration services like carpet cleaning, carpet repair, carpet re-stretching, rug cleaning, dehumidifying, disinfecting, drying and sewer cleanup. Look for a service that can provide a free estimate. They should send fully certified technicians to your premises within 60 minutes or less. It would help if they also work with insurance companies to help you with claims.


http://EzineArticles.com/6475844

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Home Flood Insurance

Home flood insurance is a necessity depending upon your location. If you live in an area that is prone to storms of all sorts and you are aware of the damage caused despite pre-emptive measures, then this type of insurance is a must. The NFIP or National Flood Insurance Program was established to provide insurance plans to those living in areas that are constantly at risk of water damage.

If the community or neighborhood you belong to is already part of the NFIP, you could sign up with the help of an insurance agent. If the community you are in does not have coverage, ask assistance or consult regional legislators on ways to transform it. As a homeowner, flood insurance is a good investment because you never know when nature could strike. This insurance is a policy that most homeowners neglect since they do not live near the coast or near large body of water. However, the climate is unpredictable so even if you do not live in these areas, floodwaters could still affect your home.

A flood insurance policy can avoid extra costs and future headaches. Make sure to research and evaluate the cost of flood insurance and what it covers, as well as your homeowner's policy. While the NFIP helps people affected by water damage, the funds are limited and there is no guarantee that you will get enough to cover the cost of losses incurred. Furthermore, the President should declare the flooding to be a disaster. When you have a flood insurance policy, the insurance company will reimburse you of the losses you incur from the flood of the expenses on repairs due to damage caused by flood.

You have to present a list to your insurance provider of the damage in your home and they will take care of the rest. The last thing you need after a flooding occurs is to worry on how to pay your bills for the next month. That is why, regardless if your area is prone to flooding or not, a flood insurance is necessary because safety is always important. It would not be a good idea to wait until something untoward happens before you take action. Weigh your options well and decide if paying a small amount every month is worthwhile to protect your home and family. Keep in mind that when flood happens, it would be too late and you could end up paying for the damages caused by flood.

Without a flood insurance, there is a chance of facing a big risk that could seriously lead you to being broke during an inconvenient and unexpected time. Remember that our homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and even a few inches of water inside your home can result to thousands of dollars lost. Flood insurance is available to homeowners and renters. Keep in mind that there is a thirty-day waiting period as soon as you purchase a flood insurance before it goes into effect, thus, it is important to have a policy as soon as possible before flood waters threaten your home and your family.


http://EzineArticles.com/6138792

Monday, August 29, 2011

Protecting Your Home Against the Losses Involved With Flood Damage

When buying a home within a flood zone you are required to purchase flood insurance through FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency. This coverage protects homeowners and mortgage companies. It protects from the losses that occur from water damage to your homes structure and contents when flood damage wreaks havoc to your home. If you live in an area that is prone to flash floods it is advisable to go ahead and protect your assets with the additional insurance that cover flood damage.

It can also be useful to have if your home is in an area with a high water table and you have a home with a basement. Basements are often the storage compartments for all memorabilia that has been collected for holidays, camping gear, tools, out of season clothes etc. If your basement flooded would you be able to financially replace all of the items damaged beyond repair? This is where flood insurance would be useful. It protects your belongings from the unexpected. Heck, none knows when the electricity is going to go out rendering the sump pump useless and water damage to occur in a basement.

Excess flood insurance is the term used when flood insurance is purchased to not only protect your swelling but also the contents within your home. This insurance is not provided through FEMA but instead is often obtained through your insurance provider. Your insurance company will act as the middle man for you in all dealings with FEMA. It is important to have excess flood insurance especially when you live in an area prone to floods. Most flood zones, even 100 year flood zones, require the purchase of additional insurance to cover your dwelling.

Many events can cause flooding. Flood damage can be caused by excess rainfall within a short period of time, snow and ice melting too fast, a leak from a pool or a clogged storm drain which in a sub division can cause massive issue for home owners.

It is important to research the area in which you are interested in purchasing a home. It is important that you add flood insurance to your budget when planning for a home purchase within a flood zone. The cost of flood insurance will depend on several factors; the size of your home, its value and the risk associated with the area in which your home is built. The expense can add hundreds of dollars to your insurance policy so it is something to really look into before signing on the dotted line. Most mortgage companies are upfront when offering a mortgage about the type of homeowner and flood insurance the purchaser will need. It is so important to be covered in the event of a disaster accidental or natural.

If you have enjoyed this article from Kevin Germain at CPS please visit http://www.tcirestoration.com/ today where you will find useful information on flood damage.


http://EzineArticles.com/6182578

Friday, August 26, 2011

Japans Catastrophe and Why You Should Buy Flood Insurance Today: Time Is of the Essence

The tragic and recent events in Japan have once again reiterated just how important it is to have flood insurance to go with your home insurance policy, and the time to get it is now. Fortunately for Japan, it is very much at the front of technology when it comes to having construction reinforced for earthquakes. However, no one could have predicted the extent of damage that has occurred not because of the earthquake, but because of the ensuing tsunami that immediately followed. This article will explore the reasons you need to get flood insurance today, because time is of the essence.

First of all, your home insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Some people think that because their home has a water damage clause that this includes flood damage. This could not be further from the truth. Another one of those facts that many people do not realize is that there is a waiting period before your coverage begins if you wait until the spring to buy. When spring arrives, there is a 30 day waiting period from the time that your payment clears until the coverage actually begins. Another fact that many people do not realize is that the national flood insurance program is run by the government which means that in the case of flood damages, you are guaranteed that you'll get your reimbursement.

And even better, in comparison to other insurance policies, the cost is cheap. In some of the most expensive property markets, flood insurance is as cheap as $975 per year. Many people do not realize that even 1 inch of flooding can cause $8000 of damage. Some other benefits of flood insurance are that if you need to make a claim, you don't have to worry about premiums going up.

While office contents insurance can insure the contents and materials inside of your business, flood insurance for business will cover the same contents in the case that a flood causes damage to a business. In Florida, people do not have basements, but in regions of the United States where basements are regularly found, homeowners can purchase a basement insurance option for their flood insurance. This basement option can take care of large and expensive utility items like washers and dryers, and furnaces and pumps.

Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a catastrophe in another country to motivate people here at home to take the important steps necessary to protect their home. To learn from another's experience is called wisdom. The bottom line is that none of us knows what's going to happen. That's why you need to take action today and purchase your flood insurance so that you can begin the 30 day waiting period that occurs before coverage begins.


http://EzineArticles.com/6074900

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Long Island New York Homeowners Insurance - Do I Need Flood Insurance?

Record snowfall totals and tornados mark the wild weather we have seen in the US so far this year...and now, massive flooding in the Midwest of record proportions (going back 75 years). But can flooding of this magnitude happen here in New York? We know from history that it can.

Gloria was the last major hurricane to hit the coastal Long Island New York region back in 1985. Prior to that, it was hurricane Donna in 1960. There were other named storms that hit the LI NY area prior to Donna as well...including the great "Long Island Hurricane" of 1821. That storm center hit Jamaica Bay and, if you can imagine this, flooded Manhattan Island from Battery Park all the way up to Canal Street! Statistically, we're due for a named storm in our area and if you recall, hurricane Earl (a monster storm) came dangerously close to hitting us in the summer of 2010.

Hurricane Gloria caused $900 million in damage (equal to $1.84 billion in 2011). Although most of the damage came from her winds, still, many homes along the south shore of eastern Long Island were lost. Luckily when Gloria made landfall on Long Island, we were experiencing low tide. Had it been high tide, hundreds of additional homes would have been lost due to flooding.

But it's not just hurricane exposures we have. As most Long Islander's know, Nor'easters (and often powerful ones) also strike our area...and far more often than hurricanes. Most commonly seen in winter months, Nor'easters are storms unique to our area due to how they formed and where they strike. They are formed by the convergence of two storms (one that approaches from the Midwest or southern Canada, and one that moves up along the Gulf Stream). They converge right along (or just off of) our coastline and become very powerful. Flooding almost always occurs from these storms and many homes suffer great damage or total losses as a result...especially along the south shore of Long Island.

So what does this all mean for us? Well for starters, you have to remember that Long Island homeowners insurance DOES NOT cover losses due to flooding. Only a flood policy protects you from this peril. It has a maximum coverage limit of $250,000 for residential property, and $500,000 for business property. Flood policies are written by government insurers (FEMA) but are brokered by private insurance professionals.

When you consider the affordability of a flood policy compared to potential losses, it makes perfect sense to supplement your homeowners insurance policy with a flood policy.

For more information about flood insurance on Long Island, talk to your insurance professional today.


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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Insurance Umbrella Policy- A Complete Buyers Guide

Insurance umbrella is the best policy when it comes to providing additional liability coverage for legal claims and other out-sized grievances against the property owners and vehicle insurance policies. When the other liability insurance policies lapse it is time for the insurance umbrella policy to kick in and adjust the difference by making up for it. The claims which are not covered by the property or vehicle insurance are also covered by this policy.

There are different values of an insurance umbrella policy which ranges anywhere between proximately one million dollars to ten million dollars. The coverage amount on these policies is high but so is the amount deducted this in turn makes the premium of this policy highly affordable.

Important Points From The Buyers Guide:

1.The most important thing that you are required to do is gather all the important pieces of information on your home or vehicle insurance policies. This includes the contact numbers and the liability coverage provided by the insurance this will help in the easy verification of facts.

2.You are required to synchronize your existing home or vehicle insurance policy with the insurance umbrella policy. This is important because an umbrella policy comes in use after your previous policies gets exhausted.

3.Dealing with a single company is an advisable thing to do because it reduces the bother of having to deal with numerous companies who will argue over the issues of liability responsibility. Thus choose the company which serves you first.

4.It best to do some research before buying this policy. Contact various different companies and take an estimate from them on the umbrella policies they provide this will give you the benefit to compare and contrast the estimated amounts and then choose the one which suits you the best.

The people who reside in expensive places and those who lead a lavish lifestyle require this type of policy because general insurance resources will fail to cover the risks of a high lawsuit.

Cheryl Ross is an expert author on various books and articles on insurance resources. In this article she has made the readers aware of the importance of an insurance umbrella policy. For details visit this blog http://www.getinsurancehelp.net/


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