Clark Howard's Tips

Do you need flood insurance?

November 19, 2004

Do you have flood insurance? Statistics from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, show that only one in three people who live in flood zones have insurance.

You might think your regular homeowner's insurance will cover you in the event of a flood, but it doesn't. Long ago, insurers established that they were not paying for flood damage.

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Clark hears it from both sides of the fence on this topic. But much too often, people who need flood insurance don't have it.

Seniors and retirees are some of the most susceptible. They often sell the home where they were living for a decent price and they buy their new, coastal home for cash. No one will remind you that you need to buy insurance if you don't have a mortgage.

If you are wondering whether you need flood insurance, go to floodsmart.gov.

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