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     INSURANCE GROUP

"I thought I had planned for everything." These are the words of a flood victim-they could be yours. Thousands of people every year find out that it CAN happen.

Are you prepared for a flood? Did you know you don't have to live close to water to become a flood victim? Do you have flood insurance? Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself before the flood hits.

We often forget how unpredictable mother nature can be, but, just turn on the evening news and we are reminded of the devastation that is caused by flooding. In fact, over 70% of all natural disasters in our country include flooding. Although most of us have been spared from catastrophic flooding, more than 18,000 communities participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. That is something we can't afford to forget.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S., and nearly everybody has some risk of flooding. Virtually, every U.S. state and territory has experienced floods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that 10 million U.S. households are located in high flood risk areas. But between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims are paid to people living outside these high risk areas.

Floods occur when you least expect them. And flood damage often goes way beyond that of house and home. Flood victims not only lose their homes and treasured possessions, but rebuilding costs also eat up life savings, retirement funds and children's college educations.

As your independent agent, its our job to take care of your insurance needs. That includes making sure you understand why Texas flood insurance is important. Here are a few facts about flood insurance you may not know.

Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance will cover your losses in the event of flooding in Texas or rising water.

Disaster aid is available only in federally declared disaster areas. These declarations are awarded in less than 50% of flooding incidents. Even with a disaster declaration, most aid is in the form of limited loans that must be repaid with interest and often require collateral in the form of a lien on your property. Payments would be $300 per month for more than 30 years. Furthermore, if you are uninsured and receive federal disaster aid after a flood, you will be required to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving that assistance. The bottom line is that you could spend as little as $106 per year for flood insurance OR get a loan for repairs with payments of $300 per month AND purchase flood insurance.

You don't have to be a homeowner to purchase flood insurance. It is available to renters, condo owners and business owners as well.

You can protect yourself--through the National Flood Insurance Program. We have one mission: to restore the quality of life of flood victims as soon as possible. As your independent insurance agents, we would be more than willing to help you research your options. Just contact us so we can discuss how we can work together to safeguard you, your family and your property in the event of a flood.