Florida’s LIberty County may be the ideal spot for nature lovers. Not only is it situated between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers, the county is home to the Apalachicola National Forest. Add in the area’s mild climate and it’s hard to imagine anyone spending too much time inside.
However, Liberty County’s location also puts residents at risk for flooding. The area might not always take the brunt of a hurricane blowing through the Gulf, but any storm’s heavy rains could cause rivers and lakes to overflow. Unfortunately, home insurance typically excludes coverage for water damage caused by external sources.
That’s enough of a reason for getting Florida flood insurance in Liberty County. Coverage can help you recover if floodwaters damage your home and personal belongings. Let’s take a look at flood insurance for Liberty County homeowners.
What is flood insurance in Liberty County, Florida?
Flood insurance in Liberty County is just like flood insurance in most places. It’s coverage for the flood damage that’s typically excluded from homeowner’s policies. For example, flood insurance usually covers water damage caused by:
Many homeowners get their flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but others choose to get coverage from private insurers like Kin.
Opting for flood insurance from Kin means you can:
- Select higher coverage limits. NFIP policies only insure your dwelling up to $250,000 and your personal belongings up to $100,000. With our flood coverage, you can select limits that match your home insurance policy’s limits.
- Insure additional structures on your property. Kin’s flood insurance protects other structures, such as sheds, driveways, and detached garages. The NFIP only insures your home and its contents.
- Get covered immediately. The NFIP enforces a 30-day waiting period, but our policies can go into effect immediately. You also don’t need an elevation certificate when you work with us.
One reason we’re able to offer more flexibility than the NFIP is because our flood insurance comes as an endorsement on your homeowners insurance.
No separate policies. No separate deductibles. Just affordable, easy coverage. Ready for a quote? Give us a call at 855-717-0022.
How much does Liberty County flood insurance cost?
The average cost of Florida flood insurance is $613 per year. That’s the lowest average cost for all 50 states, which is a good thing considering Florida home insurance rates have been increasing for a while now.
Even better, Liberty County homeowners probably pay the average or even just below because of their minor flood risk. Some find that they pay even less than that when they work with us because they don’t have to buy an entire policy to get the coverage they need.
Liberty County Flood Zones
Liberty County may not have the most flood risk in the Sunshine State, but that doesn’t mean its residents are free from floods. The flood zone map for the county shows that most regions of the area are designated as high-risk flood zones.
The two prominent are Flood Zone A and Flood Zone AE, both of which are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Homeowners in SFHAs have to buy flood insurance if they want a federally backed mortgage.
Even if you’re not in an SFHA, flood insurance is a smart purchase. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), nearly 40% of flood claims come from outside of high-risk zones. And flood damage is not insignificant. FEMA also tells us that one inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage in your home.
Tips for Reducing Your Risk for Floods in Liberty County, FL
The risk for flooding in Liberty County makes flood insurance an essential part of protecting your home. The other part, however, is taking steps to mitigate your flood risk. For example, you may want to:
- Make sure your yard slopes away from your home.
- Install backflow or gate valves to prevent sewer backup.
- Use mulch in your garden to soak up rainwater.
- Repair cracks in your sidewalk, driveway, and roof.
Even when you take precautions, floods can and do happen in Liberty County. Learn what you can do before, during, and after a flood to keep your family safe.
The most important step to take before a flood? Get flood insurance. Call us for a quote today.
