Why Do I Need Flood Insurance?

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Basic homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. The City of Seabrook participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which means that federally subsidized flood insurance is available to everyone in the city. The purchase of flood insurance is highly recommended. Remember there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy becomes effective. Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank or loan company when they obtained a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually, these policies just cover the building’s structure and not the contents. There are flood policies available to cover contents as well as for renters. Remember that a flood insurance policy must be renewed every year.

CONGRETIONAL REAUTHORIZATION

Congress must periodically renew the National Flood Insurance Program’s statutory authority to operate. On September 30, 2020, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2021. Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2021. For More information see FEMA / Congressional Reauthorization

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM

The City of Seabrook also participates in the Community Rating System, a voluntary federal program that rewards communities that implement higher standards by providing discounts on flood insurance policies. Seabrook’s efforts enable property owners who reside in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) to receive a 15 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums and policyholders located outside the SFHA a 5 percent discount. The reduction in flood insurance premiums represents annual savings in premium costs for policyholders and will take effect at the time a new policy is written or an effective policy is renewed. Those individuals and business owners with a Preferred Risk Policies, applicable in Zones B, C, X, on Seabrook’s NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are not eligible for the CRS discount. The rates for these zones already reflect significant premium reductions. For more information about flood insurance, you can contact the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov, 

For additional information contact the Seabrook Building Department at 281-291-5638, or by calling your insurance agent.