Flood Protection for Artwork and Other Valuables

Your flood insurance policy will pay for repairing or replacing artwork and other valuables. In addition to relying upon the coverage you have, take measures to protect your assets. Use the following tips to preserve the condition of your belongings.

Appraisal

Seek an appraisal of paintings, jewelry, and other valuable items. The appraisal will determine the current value of what you own. Once you know the estimated value of your belongings, you can decide which possessions must be stored carefully.

Protective Covers And Displays

Purchase some protective covers and displays to house your artwork and collectibles. The covers and displays should be made of a waterproof material. The covers and display items will prevent your possessions from getting dirty. They will also minimize the amount of moisture, humidity, and sunlight your valuables are exposed to.

Adequate Storage

Invest in a safe to store jewelry that is of value. A wall or freestanding safe will protect your belongings when they are not actively worn. Purchase waterproof bins or another type of storage container to keep other items in. Artwork not currently displayed in your home can be stowed away in one of the storage containers.

Insurance Policy

Update your flood insurance policy if necessary. Your flood insurance policy will cover the items you specify when your policy is modified. If you purchase new items, make sure to review your insurance policy. Any items of value that are purchased should be added to your existing flood insurance policy.

Contact Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA

Consult with an agent who represents Client First Insurance Solutions. An agent who serves Americus, GA will assist you with modifying your flood insurance policy.

 

How much flood insurance do I need?

Floods are one of the most common and costly disasters in the United States, and having proper flood insurance is essential for protecting your home and valuables. Whether you live in an area that’s been prone to flooding or not, it’s important to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. The first step is to determine how much flood insurance you need. At Client First Insurance Solutions, we help Americus, GA area families find the right policy for them.

How much flood insurance do I need?

Your lender may require you to purchase a certain amount of coverage if your home is located in a high-risk flood zone, but even if it’s not, it’s still a good idea to get some coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program recommends that homeowners get at least $250,000 worth of property coverage and $100,000 worth of contents coverage. This should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your house and its contents if they are damaged by a flood. 

If you own additional properties such as vacation homes or rental properties, consider getting enough coverage for them as well. With some policies, an additional 1% – 5% increase in premium can double the amount of coverage on a separate structure such as a detached garage or shed. It’s also important to note that standard homeowner’s insurance does not typically cover damage from floods, so be sure to purchase separate flood insurance if necessary. 

Give Us A Call

Before purchasing any type of insurance policy for yourself or your property, make sure to do your research and understand exactly what is covered and what isn’t. And when it comes to flood insurance, be sure to get the right amount for your needs – it could end up saving you time, money, and hassle down the line!  For more information, call us at Client First Insurance Solutions today. We proudly serve the Americus, GA area.

5 Myths About Flood Insurance

Too often, we hear about the trouble people went through because they didn’t have flood insurance. Hurricanes, flash flooding, and other natural disasters can cause millions of dollars in damage – and without insurance, you will have to pay for repairs and replacement out of pocket. However, many people believe a bunch of myths about flood insurance that discourage them from buying it. Consult with Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA for expert insurance advice.

Here are 5 of the most common myths about flood insurance debunked:

Myth #1: Flooding Only Happens Near Water

Flash floods can occur anywhere—even in desert areas where you might not expect it. Just because you don’t live near a river, lake, or ocean doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for flooding. In fact, more than 20 percent of all flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk flood zones. 

Myth #2: My Homeowners Insurance Covers Flooding

Homeowner’s insurance covers water damage caused by things like burst pipes and leaky roofs – but not floods resulting from natural disasters like hurricanes or tropical storms. You must purchase a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer if you want to be protected from flood damage.

Myth #3: Only Homes in High-Risk Areas Are Required to Have Flood Insurance 

Wrong again! While it’s true that your mortgage lender will probably require you to have flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area, there are plenty of other reasons to carry this coverage even if you’re not in a high-risk zone. Did you know, for example, that just one inch of water in your house might cost up to $25,000 in damages?

Myth #4: My Region Hasn’t Experienced a Flood in Years, So I’m Not at Risk

A region’s history of floods has no bearing on its future risk. In fact, just because your town or city hasn’t experienced a major flood doesn’t mean one couldn’t happen tomorrow. A number of factors—including changes in weather patterns, development, and rainfall—can all increase your risk for flooding, even if your region has been mostly dry for years. 

Myth #5: I Don’t Need Flood Insurance Because the Government Will Help Me Pay for Damages if My Home Floods

This one is partially true—the government does offer some financial assistance after a major disaster declaration, but it will only cover a small portion of the damages incurred. In most cases, it won’t come close to covering the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your possessions. That’s why having both government assistance and private flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself financially if your home is damaged by a flood. 

Get Flood Insurance Today

As you can see, there are a lot of myths about flood insurance out there! Don’t let these misconceptions deter you from purchasing the coverage you need to protect yourself and your family from financial ruin in the event of a flood. To learn more about your risks and what kind of protection is right for you, contact Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA today. We’re here to help

Why should you get flood insurance even if you live in a low risk flood area?

Mother nature has not been kind in 2021 with flooding cases going up every day. Home insurance doesn’t cover floods. You need to seek a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home and personal belongings from damage. At Client First Insurance Solutions, we recommend learning everything about flood insurance to ensure that you buy enough based on the value of your home and personal belongings. You should definitely get flood insurance, and here are the top 3 reasons. 

Sometimes, flood insurance is required by your lender

If you intend to buy a home that is located in a high-risk flood area, your lender may require you to buy flood insurance. The policy covers the dwelling as well as personal belongings. Some mortgage companies in Americus, GA may allow you to go without flood insurance depending on the type of loan. Federally regulated mortgages will require flood insurance, which must be paid for until the mortgage is paid off.

No one is really safe from floods

Living in a low or moderate-risk flood area doesn’t mean your property is safe. Floods can be estimated, but models can quickly get outdated and may not reflect the severity of a flooding event. Remember, an inch of floodwater is enough to cause loss of property worth millions. A recent disaster risk analysis by FEMA  confirmed that there is a high frequency of flooding events in areas often associated with disasters. 

Flood insurance has a waiting period

Flood insurance comes with a 30 day waiting period, which means you cannot buy the policy when it’s convenient for you. If flooding occurs during the waiting period, you will not be eligible for compensation. It’s more prudent to buy flood insurance as early as possible, especially with the fact that floods cannot always be accurately predicted.

Buying food insurance in Americus, GA soon? Let Client First Insurance Solutions help you find a policy that matches your needs. Call us today!

When is flood insurance necessary in Georgia?

Those that live in the Americus, GA area should consider purchasing a home. Property buyers here can enjoy the long-term benefits that come with owning their homes. However, it is always important to protect your home as well as possible. For many, this could mean getting flood insurance. There are some situations when this coverage will be necessary for you. 

When Required by Lender

A common situation when you will need to have a flood insurance plan is when your mortgage lender requires it. Any mortgage provider will run searches to determine if your home is located in a high-risk flood zone. If it is in one of these locations, they will require that you carry a flood insurance plan. Most lenders will also have to approve the policy and will require monthly payments into an escrow account as it can help to ensure coverage. 

When Protecting Your Home

You may also want a flood insurance plan when you want to protect your home. If you are going to buy a home in this area, it will be a big purchase that you will want to protect. If you are concerned about the risk of flood damage in your area, getting flood insurance is a great way to protect against it. 

If you are going to purchase a home in the Americus, GA area, it will be vital to get proper insurance coverage. The team with Client First Insurance Solutions can help you with this. When you meet with Client First Insurance Solutions, they can give you the guidance needed to determine if coverage is necessary for you. They can then help you build a plan that keeps you in compliance and protects your property. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Floods are considered natural disasters. When these natural disasters occur, they often wipe out land and property and sometimes cause death as well. However, flooding is usually not covered under most homeowners and condo insurance policies. It is usually something that must be purchased separately. 

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is specific property insurance designed to cover property that has been damaged or affected by flooding. It also covers your belongings inside a dwelling that has sustained water damage. This insurance is designed to protect both residential homes and property, as well as commercial homes and property. Not all home and business owners are required to carry this type of insurance. Typically, owners with federally regulated lenders/mortgages on properties located in high-risk flood zones are required to carry this type of insurance. However, many home and business owners elect to carry this insurance anyway. FEMA regulates the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP. Client First Insurance Solutions of Americus, GA is dedicated to helping both home and business owners understand flood insurance and its benefits.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Like homeowners insurance, flood insurance is designed to protect the structure of your home in addition to your personal belongings. However, this type of insurance is specifically designed to protect your belongings when they have sustained water damage from flooding. A flood is defined as a large amount of water on property or land that would otherwise be dry under normal circumstances. A flood is considered a disaster if two or more properties or acres have sustained damage as a result of the excess water. Flood insurance is designed to repair and or compensate you for your damaged home, business, and belongings. However, there are scenarios in which water damage may occur that aren’t covered by flood insurance. Flooding can cause land movement and other situations that aren’t covered by flood insurance. Also, moisture, mildew, and mold aren’t conditions covered under flood insurance. These conditions aren’t necessarily directly attributable to flooding.

We look forward to answering any questions you may have about flood insurance. Please give us a call. We’re here to help.