What you should know about the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP)
What is flood insurance?
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Flood insurance is available through the
NFIP in any Ohio community that participates in the program.
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Your personal insurance agent should be
able to tell you if your community qualifies for coverage
and if you should consider buying the coverage.
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NFIP defines flooding as a general and
temporary condition where the surface of normally dry land
is partially or completely inundated. Two properties or
two or more acres must be affected. Flooding can be caused
by the overflow of inland or tidal waters, the unusual
or rapid accumulation of runoff, mudslides or water currents
exceeding normal, cyclical levels.
Tips for purchasing flood insurance
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Contact your insurance agent or company
to inquire about flood insurance. Even though flood insurance
is a federal program, private insurance companies sell
the policies.
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources
(ODNR) can also be a source for helping citizens and agents
determine if there is a flood hazard area and how the mandatory
purchase requirements could impact consumers in those areas.
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You can purchase flood coverage at any
time, even during a flood - provided that your community
participates in the NFIP - but there is a 30-day waiting
period for the insurance to become effective, so don’t
wait until a flood to act.
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Flood insurance is available to protect
homes, condominiums, apartments and non-residential buildings,
including commercial structures and their contents.
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The NFIP offers basement flood coverage
for structural elements, essential equipment and other
basic items normally located in a basement.
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The NFIP encourages people to purchase
both building and contents coverage for the broadest protection.
Where to get more information about NFIP
Questions or concerns?
The Ohio Department of Insurance regulates agents and companies
that are licensed to sell insurance in our state. The Department’s
Consumer Services representatives can answer your insurance
questions and investigate your complaints about an insurance
company or agent. Call 1-800-686-1526.
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