Residents of Easton, PA, who have flood insurance through NFIP, the National Flood Insurance Program (or a private insurer), need to know the appropriate steps to take when filing a flood insurance claim. At Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC, we can help you protect your home in the event of a disaster, storm, or significant flood.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Immediately after a flood (and when it’s safe to do so), contact your insurance agent or provider directly, offering your policy number and details about the extent of the damage your home or property has sustained. You can also work with an agent or adjuster who will be assigned to your case.

Documentation

Document any damaged property or items (interior and exterior). Take photographs and videos, including the water level, from a distance on your property. This can help you receive adequate quotes to cover the full extent of the damage you’ve recently experienced. Create an inventory of damaged, missing, or lost items and valuables.

Meet With Your Adjuster

A flood insurance adjuster can conduct a thorough inspection and review your evidence and documentation of sustained damage.

Proof of Loss Form

Once an adjuster’s inspection is complete, you must fill out and submit a Proof of Loss form within 60 days of the flood. This form is crucial to processing your claim and will ensure that all the damaged items in your home are on the list.

At Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC, we will work with you to guarantee you’re properly adequate and protected while living as a resident near Easton, PA, or anywhere in Pennsylvania. To learn more about filing flood insurance claims if you’re living near Easton, PA, contact Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC today.

Many people get their home insurance policy and assume that’s the only policy they need to have on their home. However, this isn’t the case. It’s essential for homeowners to have a flood insurance policy as well. It’s never good to go without this coverage, as so many floods happen that damage homes. The amount of damage that can be caused by a flood is extreme. It would be beyond most people’s financial ability to pay for all of the damage done by a serious flood. That’s why you need a flood insurance policy. To get one, you can call us at Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC in Easton, PA.

Home and Flood Insurance Policies

So, why do you need both of these policies in your home? Isn’t your home insurance enough? Home policies actually don’t cover floods. If a flood were to happen and you had only home insurance on your home, you would end up having to pay for all of the damage to your home. This includes if your home needs to be rebuilt because of excessive damage. With a flood policy, your policy could pay for the flood damage to be repaired so that you could live in your home again. 

Outside Flood Zones

Many people think that because they don’t live in a flood zone, there’s no need for a flood policy. However, about one out of every five flood claims comes from a home that isn’t located inside a flood zone. This makes it important to have one of these policies for your home no matter where it’s located. Just about any area could become flooded under the right conditions. 

Get A Flood Insurance Policy

To get your flood policy, you can contact us to find out more. Call us at Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC in Easton, PA.

Yes, the government can and does regularly update the flood zone maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updates its flood maps regularly with the latest data from its catastrophe models using current precipitation data. That means a few years of heavy rains that brought either flash floods or rising water floods could change whether your home sits in a flood zone.

Recently, FEMA switched to a new risk rating methodology that increased the accuracy of its mapping. This change resulted in changes in flood risk for some homes and businesses. Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC wants you to understand how best to protect your Easton, PA home.

Risk Rating 2.0

FEMA updated its methodology in the 2020s and now uses the Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action model to provide an individualized risk assessment approach informed by existing flood hazard information. Its new methodology incorporates newly acquired data, updated flood models, and new technology. The new system recalculates flood risk based on flooding frequency and type of flooding, including:

• Inland waterbody overflow (rivers, lakes, streams, etc.)
• storm surge,
• coastal erosion,
• heavy rainfall.

It also considers the home’s proximity to flood sources and the home’s building characteristics.

Benefits of the New System

Some homes may appear in a flood zone that did not previously. The updated risk rating system addresses flood zone disparities that had increased premiums for some homeowners.

The new system helps FEMA more accurately map data, and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) more accurately calculates equitable premium rates.

Contact Us Today

Let Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC help protect your Easton, PA home or business with flood insurance. Contact us to learn more about your policy options.

Living in a low-risk area definitely has its perks. You likely don’t have to worry about as many natural disasters striking your home, and you probably pay lower rates for homeowner’s insurance.

However, just because you live in a low-risk area doesn’t mean you’re immune to flooding. In fact, nearly 25% of all flood claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas! If you want to ensure that your family is protected in the event of a flood, it’s important to have flood insurance.

Why You Need Flood Insurance in a Low-Risk Area

There are a few reasons you should get flood insurance, even if you live in a low-risk area.

For one, floods can happen anywhere and often strike when you least expect them. A severe storm could cause flash flooding in your neighborhood. A broken pipe could cause water to flood your basement. And even just a heavy rainfall can lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

Plus, the cost of repairing flood damage is often much higher than most people expect. Even the smallest amount of water in your home can cause massive damage. However, with insurance from a professional company such as Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC in Easton, PA, you can rest assured knowing that you and your home are protected.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

When you purchase flood insurance, you’ll be protected against damage caused by rising waters. This includes damage to your home, personal belongings, and even the cost of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable.

Flood insurance also covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding damaged structures on your property, such as a garage or shed. Plus, it can help cover the cost of cleanup and repairs to your home’s electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.

Keep in mind that flood insurance does not cover damage caused by storms, such as high winds or hail. You’ll need to purchase a separate policy for this type of coverage.

Give Us A Call

If you’re interested in purchasing flood insurance, Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC in Easton, PA can help. We’ll work with you to find a policy that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.

Flood insurance protects you in the event of rising waters that cause a natural disaster. However, depending on the damage in your home, a flood can cause more than $25,000 in damages, which are not typically covered by a basic homeowners insurance policy. Those in Easton, PA, who have concerns about flood insurance coverage should speak with their insurance agent or reach out to the experts at Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC. 

Do I Need Flood Insurance? 

Everyone, regardless of the risk level, should have flood insurance coverage. Homes located in a high-risk zone should have flood insurance coverage. In addition, houses not in a high-risk area should still have some form of flood insurance because a flood can occur at any time. Rising waters from storms or other events can cause flooding, which results in damage to your home’s structure and personal belongings. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover? 

Flood insurance provides coverage for your dwelling and your personal belongings. It is possible to buy a flood insurance policy that only covers the structure of your home or one that only covers your personal property inside the house. Though most insurance policies have payout caps, items covered under your flood insurance typically include personal property, structural items, HVAC and electrical systems, carpet, furniture, cabinets, walls, and kitchen appliances. 

What Is Not Covered by Flood Insurance? 

When water damage is not caused by a flood, such as a sewer backup or burst pipe, your flood insurance will not cover the damage. However, in some cases, this type of damage is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. 

Easton, PA residents, should speak with an agent at Northeast Insurance Advisors LLC today to learn more about flood insurance coverage and why they may need to purchase a policy.