Insurance Services of Long Island

Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Since floods can happen to anybody just about anywhere, you probably should consider the possibility of taking out a flood insurance policy. Depending on your flood zone, the premiums can vary greatly. Additionally, if you live in a high-risk flood area and buy a home and take out a mortgage, your lender may require that you buy flood insurance for the closing.

Where Can You Buy Flood Insurance?
You can purchase flood insurance from your insurance agent through the National Flood Insurance Program. The National Flood Insurance Program is backed by the U. S. government.

Does Home Insurance Cover Flooding?
Most do not cover flooding. Homeowners can include personal property coverage in their NFIP policy, and residential and commercial renters can purchase flood coverage for their contents. Business owners can also buy flood insurance coverage for their buildings, inventory and contents.

Does a flood insurance policy offer any type of basement coverage?
Yes, it does. A basement, as defined by NFIP, is any building area with a floor below ground level on all sides. Basement improvements – finished walls, floors or ceilings – are not covered by flood insurance,  nor are personal belongings, such as furniture and other contents. But flood insurance does cover structural elements and essential equipment, provided it is connected to a power source (if required) and installed in its functioning location. Examples of items covered may include the following: sump pumps, well-water tanks and pumps, oil tanks and the oil inside, natural gas tanks and the gas inside, pumps or tanks used with solar energy, furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, electrical junction and circuit breaker boxes (and their utility connections).