Happy May! This month's update brings you helpful advice, timely insights, and resources you need to know as the month continues. What's included: What you should know about flooding and flood insurance, a few dates to mark on your calendar, Dave's Corner, and a roundup of articles worth reading this month. | Flooding and Insurance: What Most Homeowners Don't Know Until It's Too Late. | Here's something that surprises many homeowners: a standard homeowners insurance policy typically does not cover flood damage. Flooding and water damage are treated very differently under most policies, and that distinction matters a great deal when water starts rising. A few things that are generally covered under a standard homeowners policy: - Wind-driven rain that causes sudden damage.
- A roof collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow.
- Sudden and accidental water damage from a covered event.
A few things that are generally not covered: - Flooding from heavy rainfall.
- Water that enters through existing leaks or due to neglect.
- Groundwater or rising water that enters the home.
Flood insurance is a separate policy entirely. It's available through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through certain private insurers. Coverage through the NFIP can go up to $250,000 for the structure of a home and up to $100,000 for personal belongings. However, there is one important detail to keep in mind: most flood insurance policies don't take effect until 30 days after signing, so waiting until a storm is on the radar is too late. It's also worth noting that flooding is not just a concern in coastal or low-lying areas. Nearly every county in the United States has experienced some form of flooding in recent decades, and only about 4% of homeowners nationwide currently carry flood insurance. That gap leaves many people in a very difficult position when the unexpected happens. A few simple steps you can take now to reduce your risk: - Keep gutters clear, so water has a path away from your home.
- Check your grading to make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
- Consider a sump pump if your basement is prone to water collection.
- Review your current policy, so you know exactly what is and isn't covered before you need to find out the hard way.
If you've ever wondered whether flood insurance makes sense for your situation, we're happy to walk you through your options. Every home and location is different, and a quick conversation can go a long way in making sure you're not caught off guard. Contact us! | Here are a few notable dates and reminders to keep in mind this month! - May 10th is Mother’s Day. This is a chance to celebrate all of the moms, grandmothers, and maternal figures for all they do for us!
- May 17th is World Hypertension Day. Hypertension affects more than one billion people around the globe and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, let this serve as a reminder to get your blood pressure checked!
- May 27th is National Sunscreen Day. As part of National Safe Sun Week, this awareness day serves as a reminder to apply sunscreen before heading outside this summer.
- May 28th is International Burger Day. Whether pan-fried, flame-broiled, or barbecued, burgers have earned their place as one of the world's most beloved foods. Celebrate accordingly!
| Real People Who Found Creative Ways to Earn $1,000 Extra Key Takeaways - Earning an extra $1,000 can give you breathing room and help you start an emergency fund.
- Real people reached this goal by using what they already had—like their home, skills, extra items or free time.
- They treated the extra work like a short-term mission with a clear goal in mind.
- You can do the same by starting where you are and staying consistent.
| A referral is the highest compliment you can give us! To show our appreciation for every referral we enter your name into our monthly drawing. You could win gift cards or cash. Also, for every referral that you send to Allco Insurance, that writes a policy with us, we donate $10 to Stripes of a Warrior. Stripes of a Warrior is a great cause that we support wholeheartedly. They will provide financial assistance to those that have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to afford their housing, medical bills, medication, or food expenses. Referrals have helped raise over $28,000 in the past 9 years for Stripes of a Warrior. To learn click HERE. | We've rounded up a few great reads from around the web to keep you informed and entertained this month: | In honor of Mother's Day just around the corner... "Why don't moms ever play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding when your kid calls for you every 30 seconds!" Here's to all the moms out there who never seem to slow down, even on their special day! | As always, if you have any insurance questions or want to make sure your coverage is where it needs to be heading into summer, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help. | |
