Flooding is a major concern in Arizona. If a dam were to break, such as Glen Canyon Dam or Roosevelt Dam, or a severe summer monsoon were to occur, the massive flooding could trample communication, transportation and housing in surrounding cities.
Many consumers do not realize that there is a difference between what their homeowners’ insurance policy will cover and what a separate flood insurance policy will cover. In general, water falling from the sky that causes damage is covered by a homeowner’s policy. Damages caused by ground water such as waves, strong currents or breaching rivers and streams following a severe storm or flash flood, is covered by flood insurance. Flood insurance must be purchased separately from homeowner’s insurance.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 to reduce losses caused by flooding. Flood insurance is designed to provide an alternative to disaster assistance to reduce the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods. Flood insurance is made available through your insurance representative.
Nearly 20,000 communities across the United States and its territories participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in these communities.
Having flood insurance gives you many benefits. Not only is coverage there when you need it, but it also: compensates for flood damages even if federal disaster aid is unavailable and is available in low cost policies for those who qualify.
In addition to providing flood insurance and reducing flood damages through floodplain management regulations, the NFIP identifies and maps the Nation's floodplains. Mapping flood hazards creates awareness of the flood hazards and provides the data needed for floodplain management programs.
Please visit the links below for more information on the National Flood Insurance Program and for flood information in your county.
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