A Quick Note About Flood Insurance in Tennessee
As the recent damage from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma show, the areas where homes can be flooded is expanding. Many home insurance property policies protect your contents if a fire or theft occurs, but homeowner policies do not normally cover your contents, cleanup costs, and repair or replacement costs if a flood damages your property. The causes of floods include more than just storms and hurricanes. Other causes include breaking dams or levees, melting snow/ice, broken pipes, and other natural and unnatural causes.
Homeowners can get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP is governed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood insurance generally covers your home or building up to a quarter of a million dollars. Many property owners hold the misperception that they cannot buy additional/private flood coverage beyond NFIP. Not true. Some private carriers allow you to purchase excess flood coverage and it’s important to thoroughly question your agent about your options.
One important point about the NFIP to keep in mind is that you must keep your flood insurance current in order to recover federal disaster assistance. And, policyholders will typically have to wait 30 days after they purchase flood insurance before the policy goes into effect. Some exceptions may apply to your situation so, again, be sure to get clarity.
Our experienced Tennessee insurance dispute attorneys understand when flood insurance, what you need to do if coverage is needed and how to prove your claim. At McWherter Scott & Bobbitt, we fight to get you the full value of your loss. For strong advocacy from an attorney like Jonathan Bobbitt, Brandon McWherter or Clint Scott, please phone us at 731-664-1340 or fill out our contact form. We have locations in Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Jackson, and Knoxville.
One of the Mid-South’s Super Lawyers, Jonathan Bobbitt is a civil trial lawyer that has one singular focus – to obtain the best possible result for his clients. Passionate, thoughtful and relentless, this guy loves to spend his free time running 50-plus miles through mountains, deserts and country roads. Learn More