What Is Flood Insurance, and Why Is It Important?
Flood insurance offers financial protection to homeowners and property owners against flood damage.
It’s crucial because floods can occur unexpectedly and cause significant damage to homes, belongings, and infrastructure. Unlike standard homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance explicitly covers damages resulting from flood-related events. Most importantly, climate change has created stronger storms and heavy rainfall, resulting in unexpected flooding.
It compensates policyholders for repair or replacement costs and may also cover additional living expenses incurred during the recovery period. Floods can happen in high-risk and low-risk areas, so that flood insurance can offer peace of mind and financial stability in an unpredictable natural disaster.
Which Are the Flood Zones in Pennsylvania?
Flash floods can cause severe damage to homes and infrastructure, as did in Lackawanna County on September 9, 2023. The Pennsylvania flood resulted in property damage and left individuals stranded and vehicles unable to move due to the destruction of roads.
To better protect themselves, homeowners should clearly understand the flood zones in PA. This knowledge allows them to assess risk and make informed decisions, such as purchasing flood insurance. By identifying the specific flood zone their property falls within, homeowners can determine the likelihood of their homes getting damaged by torrential rains and flooding.
Various flood zones divide Pennsylvania based on the probability and severity of flooding. Some of the notable flood zones in Pennsylvania include the following:
- Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
- Moderate Flood Hazard Area (MFHA)
- Minimal Flood Hazard Area (MinFHA)
To know which zone you belong to, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. The map shows your location and the high risk of flooding or damaging your home. Fill the search bar with your state, county address, or zip code. FEMA then gives back a map with zones of different degrees of hazard regarding flooding.
In the example below, we entered the zip code “17402,” which belongs to Springgettsbury Town in York, Pennsylvania. FEMA then gives results that identify the zones that are prone to flooding. Notably, zones prone to flooding are places near creeks and rivers. In this example, areas around Mill Creek have a higher chance of flooding. Other examples are Perkiomen Creek and Susquehanna River.
Understanding these zones is crucial for homeowners to assess their risk and determine their need for flood insurance.
How Much Is the Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania?
It’s crucial to know which zone your home is in. By determining that, you’ll be able to understand how much it costs to cover your home from flood damage. Generally, homes within the SFHA would pay a higher premium than homes located at MFHA or MinFHA.
Also, premiums and costs come with the economic standing and how developed a county or state is. Residents of Harrisburg pay around $3100 annually for flood insurance premiums, which is twice as much as those living in Bloomsburg, who pay around $1500 annually. Not only does Harrisburg have a higher flood hazard, but it’s also a relatively larger county, as well as the capital of the state, than Bloomsburg.
Although other resources are available for flood zones and hazard mapping, such as PA Flood Risk, insurance providers will use FEMA as their final and ultimate reference to calculate your costs and premiums.
By obtaining this information, homeowners can obtain quotes from private insurance companies, enabling them to compare costs and rates to find the most suitable and affordable policy for safeguarding their homes against flood damage.
So, determining how much flood insurance is in Pennsylvania depends on your location, your county’s economic standing, and the property’s value.
Where to Find a Pennsylvania Flood Insurance Agency?
If you are a resident of Pennsylvania and are seeking flood insurance coverage, it is essential to know where to turn for reliable and comprehensive protection. With the increasing flooding risks, securing a suitable flood insurance policy to safeguard your property and possessions is crucial.
One leading insurance provider that stands out in Pennsylvania is Kocman Insurance Group. With their extensive experience and expertise in the insurance industry, they have a strong track record of providing exceptional flood insurance policies that cater to the unique needs of their clients.
When you choose Kocman Insurance Group, you partner with a reliable insurance provider who will be there for you when needed. With their thorough understanding of the local market and dedication to delivering outstanding customer service, Kocman Insurance Group is the ideal choice for obtaining practical flood insurance quotes in Pennsylvania.
Make sure to leave the security of your home and valuables to chance – contact Kocman Insurance Group today and ensure you have the protection you need against the unpredictable nature of flooding.
