Monsoon season has been here and seems to want to stay and break rainfall records in Scottsdale and the other cities that make up Greater Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun, AZ.
I hear daily stories about those whose homes are flooded. Yes, flooding in the Desert is not a myth. 
The harsh reality of flash floods is that the damage is swift and severe. Only a few inches of rain can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.
Worse than that??… please take note
** Your standard home owner’s insurance policy does not cover flood Damage or Flood Losses **
Yes, I repeat, homeowners insurance does not cover flood losses.
You need to purchase a National Flood Insurance Policy that has been approved by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through private insurance companies and agents; keep in mind, that there is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.
Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968 as a way to provide protection to consumers. While your agent can write a flood policy on your behalf, all flood policies are written through the NFIP.
I can tell you that the vast majority of homeowners in Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix do not have flood insurance unless it is mandated by the lender if you are in a Flood Zone.
However, according to FEMA , Between more than 25% of all flood insurance claims are paid to people living outside of the high-risk areas. Further, as a homeowner in a floodplain, Did you know that an SFHA home has a 26% chance of being flooded over a 30-year period?
When you purchase a home, a title company will pull County records to find out if the home is within a Special Flood Hazard Area? If so, you will be required to buy flood insurance?
However, if you are purchase raw land, it is critical that you find out if you are in a designated high risk flood area. You may not need flood insurance now. However, you will when it you start construction. Make sure you find out before it is too late.
Also, if you are buying a previously owned home, make sure that you request a disclosure from the current owner regarding if the property has ever been flooded, or whether the property is within a 100-year floodplain.
Click this link to find more information and to determine whether any Arizona property is within a floodplain:
A standard flood policy will cover structural damage, furnace, water heater and air conditioner, flood debris clean up, and floor surfaces. You can usually buy added coverage for furniture and other items.
Tips to protect yourself from Floods and Flood damage
You can take protect yourself by following these basic tips: However, the most important thing you do is to …
Buy flood insurance; It is inexpensive; you can cover their home for up to $250,000 and contents for $100,000. A renter can cover their belongings up to $100,000.
Here are the names of some top Insurance Agents who can help you get a private Flood Insurance Policy:
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Copyright © 2008 By James Wexler, All Rights Reserved. *Monsoon Season – Buy Flood Insurance in AZ *
Contact James Wexler (480) 221-8080 for all your Phoenix | Scottsdale area Real Estate needs
James,
You have great information here about homeowner’s insurance and coverage for floods. We have similar insurance challenges here in Santa Clarita.
Greg Nutter
Better safe then sorry! Research you insurance policy and make sure you have the best water damage coverage!
Flooding in thedesert. Its going to be really interesting seeing what may happen!
With the unpredictable weather this article really hits some good point! Homeowners protect yourself!
This is pretty good information that will come in realy handy! Thanks.