New Floodplain Maps Cause Need for Homeowners to Add Flood Coverage

Thousands of Florida residents may have to pay more for their
homeowner’s insurance. The federal government has just made changes to
its floodplain map, causing many Florida homeowners to acquire flood
insurance.

A recent change in the federal government’s floodplain map is causing
Florida homeowners to add flood insurance to their homeowner’s
insurance policies. The area most affected by these new changes is
Orange County, Florida. Homes in the Conway and Azelea Park areas that
have never been affected by floods will now need to be covered by flood
insurance. These newly identified homeowners will have to amend their
existing policies in order to protect themselves against the tragedy
that could occur during flooding.

Every ten years, FEMA redraws its floodplain map, and this year’s
results indicate a great change in potential areas of flooding. This
year, the process was conducted using a digital system, which is similar
to a GPS. In the past, FEMA has relied on printed maps in order to
determine which homes are susceptible to flooding. This system, FEMA
notes, is more reliable than the ones used in the past and could work to
save homeowner’s from the financial and emotional disaster than can
occur after a flood affects one’s home.

While FEMA’s new floodplain map has placed many new residents in a
flood zone, it has also taken around 8,000 homeowners out of previously
identified flood zones. According to FEMA, being in a flood zone simply
means that the homeowner’s property is in an area that has at least a 1%
chance of flooding. If Florida homeowner’s do not agree with the
results obtained from FEMA’s mapping system, they can conduct their own
survey to determine whether or not their homes are susceptible to
flooding.

Florida homeowners should not make the mistake of thinking that their
existing homeowner’s policy covers the damage caused by floods. Flood
insurance is not part of standard homeowner’s policy and must be added
to the policy for an additional premium.

This type of homeowner’s coverage has not been necessary for many of
the homes in this area in the past, and not having it now could cost
Florida homeowners a significant amount of money. Residents in the
effected areas should consult with a licensed homeowner’s insurance
agent to find the best options for adding flood insurance to their
policies.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance
and Orlando home insurance
agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and
home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.