Flood insurance in Jackson County, Florida

Flood Insurance in Jackson County, Florida

Jackson County borders Alabama in the northwestern portion of Florida. Locals enjoy Jackson for the area’s natural splendor, like caves and winding rivers. While attractions like the Chipola River make Jackson unique, these natural water sources can also be a catalyst for flooding when hurricanes happen.

Jackson County residents experienced flooding in September of 2020 when Hurricane Sally hit. The historical flood level for Jackson’s Chipola River is 27 feet. The river rose to a dangerously high level of 25 feet during Hurricane Sally. Jackson’s low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to flooding. Flooding threats continue even after a hurricane as Sally passes. A local Jackson news station reported that a car floated away in the standing water left by the hurricane.

That’s one of the many reasons flood insurance is a wise choice if you live in Jackson County.

Jackson County Flood Insurance costs

While you may have thought the National Flood Insurance Program is the only option for flood insurance in Florida, we’re happy to say you have another solution: us! A recent study shows that 77% of Florida homes can get cheaper flood coverage if they work with private providers instead of the NFIP.

We’re one of those private providers that can help you save money. In Jackson County, our average flood insurance premium is $171 a year. That’s $278 cheaper than the NFIP’s average rate for the area: $449 a year.

These are averages. To know exactly what your flood coverage will cost, contact us for a quote.

Kin vs. NFIP average flood insurance premiums

What impacts flood insurance costs? Namely, it’s how likely an area is to flood, and flooding is all too common throughout Florida. Nearly 20 percent of all Florida counties have experienced 50 or more flood events in the past 50 years. In 30 years, close to 4 million Florida properties will be at risk for flooding.

Flood Zones in Jackson County, Florida

Both Flood Factor and FEMA flood maps can give you an idea of your home’s flood risk in Jackson County. You’ll notice Jackson County is home to two high-risk flood zones: Zones A and AE. If your home is in either of these zones and you have a federally-backed mortgage, you’re required to have flood insurance.

Flood Zone A has a 1 percent annual chance of flooding with no base flood elevation (BFE) determined. Flood Zone AE also has a 1 percent chance of flooding with a determined BFE. An area’s BFE indicates the lowest level you can build property.

What Jackson County Flood Insurance covers

Flood insurance protects your home, other structures, and your belongings from water damage caused by storm surges or broken water mains. Homeowners insurance alone won’t cover flood damage. Adding flood coverage as an endorsement on your homeowners' policy will.

Our flood coverage is cheaper than the NFIP for about 71 percent of Florida homeowners. In addition to more affordable rates, you get:

• Coverage that’s effective immediately – no 30-day waiting period as the NFIP requires.
• One deductible and one premium for both your home and flood coverage.
• Flood limits that match your home insurance coverage limits.
• Easy, reliable service through one insurer.

Flood preparation doesn’t end with purchasing an insurance policy. Planning ahead can keep you safe and mitigate the damage a flood can cause to your home.

How to prepare for a Flood in Jackson County

To prepare for a flood, learn about your home’s past, current, and future flood risks; understand which flood zone you’re in; and take steps to minimize your home’s risk of flooding.

To minimize flood damage:

• Keep up on property repairs.
• Update your valves so water flows outward.
• Keep water-sensitive items out of the basement or crawl spaces.
• Install foundation vents or a sump pump.
• Apply coatings and sealants to your foundation.
• Install gate valves on your pipes.
• Grade your lawn away from the house.
• Point downspouts away from your home.

You should also create a disaster preparedness plan. Make sure you have emergency supplies, know who to contact in case of a flood, and plan for when you need to shelter in place or evacuate.