South Carolina’s low-lying topography and subtropical climate make it ideal for river and inland flooding caused by thunderstorms and seasonal rains, along with the yearly threat from hurricanes along the coast.

Spring is a great time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy, and to think about getting flood insurance if you do not already have it. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, but you can get flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through your insurance agent.

Here are some facts about flood insurance that you should know:

• Residents who live in a high-risk flood area and have a federally-backed mortgage are required to have flood insurance. Those who live in low- to moderate-risk areas might also be required by their lenders to have flood insurance, but not always.
• Just because you are not required to have flood insurance does not mean that you do not need it. Floods can cause extreme damage in a very short amount of time.
• Federal aid for flood damage is usually in the form of a low-interest loan that must be paid back. Aid is only available if the President declares a disaster.
• Approximately one-quarter of all flood claims come from areas where flood insurance is optional.
• Almost all homeowners, businesses, condo owners and renters are eligible to purchase flood insurance from the NFIP.
• If you live near a levee, do not assume it will protect you. Levee failure is a major cause of flooding.

Flood insurance policies cover physical damage to your property and possessions. Premiums are based on the coverage that is purchased and the flood risk of your property. We can work with you to determine the coverage options that work for you and your property, as well as how much coverage you need.

You can also visit FloodSmart.gov for a variety of helpful tools and resources, including flood risk maps and a flood risk profile that you can take.

Has your home or neighborhood ever been in the path of a flood? Don’t wait. Now is the time to talk to us about South Carolina flood insurance.