Flood insurance helps residents cover cost of damaging waters

COLUMBUS - Flooding can occur during any season, but typically is most prevalent during the late winter and early spring, when rain pours over frozen ground and causes runoff. Already this season, Ohioans have witnessed the destruction flooding can cause. Homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Residents in flood-prone areas need flood insurance to help cover the cost of putting their life back together after a flood.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, about 90 percent of all natural disasters involve flooding. Furthermore, a home is four times more likely to flood than burn down during the course of a 30-year mortgage. In Ohio, Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates 280,000 structures are located within floodplains, but only 10 percent of these are protected by flood insurance.

Mortgage companies require those who purchase homes in a floodplain to also purchase flood insurance, in addition to their homeowners insurance. Flood insurance coverage depends on the mortgage amount, location and amount the policyholder elects to cover.

While, the national government provides flood insurance, it must be purchased through an insurance agent.

Flood insurance does not cover flood damage to vehicles. This would only be covered under a comprehensive auto insurance policy.

Recent storms have opened many people's eyes to the damage flooding can cause. Those who are looking to purchase flood insurance or have questions can contact a AAA Insurance agent at 888-AAA-OHIO.