At Morse Insurance, we understand that owning a home is a major commitment, and protecting that home is a top priority. While most homeowners know how helpful comprehensive homeowners insurance can be in this regard, flood insurance often gets overlooked.
However, with all of the storms hitting New England these days, having flood insurance has become increasingly important. So, Morse, of course, wanted to share some of the top reasons every Massachusetts homeowner should seriously consider getting flood insurance—even if you don’t live in a high-risk flood zone.
The Risk of Flood Is Now Everywhere
Massachusetts is no stranger to extreme weather, and flooding can happen in any part of the state. Nor’easters, hurricanes, heavy rains, tornadoes, and even rapidly melting snow can lead to serious flooding. Many people don’t realize that nearly 25% of all flood claims come from moderate- to low-risk areas. If your home is damaged by floodwaters, your standard homeowners policy won’t cover the repairs. That’s where flood insurance comes in, and it could make all the difference in protecting your home from unexpected damage—but flood insurance might.
Environmental Conditions Can Impact Flood Risk
Unpredictable weather patterns and rising sea levels are increasing flooding risks for Massachusetts homeowners. Even areas not directly on the coast are experiencing more intense storms, flash floods, and heavy rainfall events that can lead to flooding. With this kind of risk hanging over our heads, it’s clear that flood insurance is no longer just for those who live by a body of water.
Federal Disaster Assistance Isn’t a Given
Some homeowners mistakenly believe that federal disaster assistance will take care of everything if a flood occurs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Federal aid is only available if a disaster is officially declared, and even then, it usually comes in the form of loans that need to be repaid. On top of that, in most cases federal assistance covers only a small portion of the costs needed to rebuild. Flood insurance, on the other hand, may provide a better solution.
Flood Insurance Is Surprisingly Affordable
If you live in a moderate- or low-risk area, flood insurance may be more affordable than you think. When you weigh the cost of insurance against the potential expense of a flood claim—which averages about $30,000—it becomes clear that having a policy in place is a smart financial investment.
Peace of Mind, No Matter What Happens
In addition to the physical damage floodwaters can do to your home, dealing with the aftereffects can leave you emotionally exhausted. The last thing you want to worry about after a disaster is how you’ll be able to pay for repairs. When you have flood insurance, you’ll know that your property and family are covered, providing you with immediate peace of mind while you rebuild.
Morse, of course, has flood insurance options for every homeowner.
Flood insurance may not be required for every homeowner in Massachusetts, but it’s an essential layer of protection that the team at Morse strongly recommends to our customers. With unpredictable weather and climate change impacting our daily lives, every homeowner should work with their insurance agent to evaluate how flood insurance can complement their home insurance policy.
Whether you live by the coast or inland, there’s no time like the present to find out how flood insurance can play a role in your overall personal insurance solutions. Contact one of our friendly agents today or stop by any of our convenient Massachusetts locations to learn more about your flood insurance coverage options.