Insure Your Property

Importance of Flood Insurance & Steps to Take in Filing a Claim

Did you know that flood insurance is required if your property is in a flood zone and your mortgage is with a federally insured lender? Find out if you reside in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and turn on the flood zone layer under "environment." Areas in the SFHA are areas that are at high risk for flooding. In high-risk areas, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

Did you know that homeowners insurance does not cover damage from flooding? The good news is that the Pender County community is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is available to homeowners, condo owners, apartment owners, renters, and business owners. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before your policy goes into effect.

There are two types of Flood Insurance Coverage: The NFIP's Dwelling Form offers coverage for: 1) Building Property, up to $250,000, and 2) Personal Property (Contents), up to $100,000. The NFIP encourages people to purchase both types of coverage. Your mortgage company may require that you purchase a certain amount of flood insurance coverage. More information from NFIP coverage: Summary of Coverage.

  • Questions you should ask as a potential purchaser of coastal real estate, (NCREC "Questions and Answers on" Purchasing Coastal Real Estate in North Carolina").
  • To find out more about flood insurance, contact any licensed insurance agent.
  • Flood insurance is available to almost everyone.
  • Your Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Floods ( FEMA "Know Your Risks" brochure).
  • Learn the essentials to flood insurance, including what it covers, what it protects and who it protects at floodsmart.gov.
  • Being insured is one of your best forms of protection.
  • Local Pender County insurance agents can assist with flood insurance questions.
  • Information to help be prepared for hurricanes

Filing a Flood Claim

Below are three steps you can take to begin the recovery process, plus step-by-step guidance to walk you through the claims process for Hurricane Florence. More information by reading What to Do After the Flood.

  1. Determine Your Flood Loss and Report Your Claim: Once it's deemed safe by local officials, and you ensure the gas and electricity lines have been turned off, examine your property to determine if there is flood damage. If there is, contact your agent or insurance company to start your flood insurance claim and ask for an Advance Payment to help you begin recovering.
  2. Start Cleaning up, but Document Your Damage First: Be sure to document your flood loss using photos and videos before you start cleaning up your home. Please keep in mind that as a FEMA flood insurance policyholder, it is your responsibility to minimize the growth and spread of mold as much as possible.
  3. File for FEMA Disaster Assistance: If there is a FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration, file for FEMA assistance too because you may be eligible for additional funds to help with things like temporary housing. Read more about why it can be beneficial to register for federal disaster assistance from FEMA.