Category: Flood Insurance

Why flood insurance is becoming increasingly important in Texas

Posted on by admin

At Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, we have received an increasing number of inquiries about flood insurance for those in Willis, TX, Montgomery County, and Texas.

Why is there interest in flood insurance in Texas? Why are homeowners viewing it with increasing importance?

More people are aware that flood insurance is not standard.

For various reasons, more homeowners are becoming aware that flooding is not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. Flooding protection must be secured through a separate National Flood Insurance Program policy.

More mortgage companies are requiring it.

As homeowners seek mortgages, they find that more lenders are requiring flood insurance, especially when homes are located in low-lying and flood-prone areas around water and coastlines.

Flooding problems are increasing.

Whether due to climate change, overdevelopment, or rising waters, flooding and rainstorms seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity.

Homes are becoming more expensive.

As houses increase in value, homeowners need more and better protection. Homeowners are also recognizing that flooding can be devastating, so flood insurance offers an added layer of protection.

Residential developments are being constructed in more at-risk areas.

As prime real estate is devoured by commercial and residential developments, less desirable properties are often left behind. These properties may be more susceptible to flooding than those that were used for property developments in the past.

Is flood insurance for you?

If you have questions about general home insurance or flood insurance, we encourage you to contact us at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency. We serve the Willis, TX, area with a complete line of homeowners insurance coverage, including flood insurance. Contact us with your questions and for a no-obligation price quote.

Flood Preparedness and Insurance: Securing Willis, TX Homes

Posted on by admin

The last thing you ever want to experience is a flood. Unfortunately, many floods occur without any notice in Wilis, TX, which can lead to significant amounts of damage. Preparedness is critical, and having flood insurance can make a big difference. At Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, we can ensure you have the coverage that’s needed.

Prepare for Floods

Floods can occur because of significant rainfall, a blocked storm drain, a coastal surge, and many other factors. As soon as the flooding occurs, it may be too late to take action, which is why you need to be prepared with flood insurance.

Willis, TX, homeowners may experience all sorts of damage as a result of a flood, including:

  • Damage to flooring, walls, and other aspects of the home
  • Damage to furniture and other belongings

Additionally, the home may not be livable while the flood damage is addressed. With the right flood insurance policy, you can file a claim without having to worry about significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Why Home Insurance Isn’t Sufficient

Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that home insurance protects them against floods. This is not the case. In fact, your average home insurance policy won’t provide any protection against floods. That’s why you need a separate policy.

Some mortgage companies may require you to have the coverage while others will not. Much of it depends on your zip code and whether you’re in a FEMA-identified flood zone.

Even if you’re not in a zone that requires coverage, it can still be an important policy to purchase.

Get Help with the Right Coverage

Many factors are involved in buying a flood insurance policy to help protect your home. These include the value of your home, the likelihood of a flood, and more.

You can get a customized policy with the help of friendly and experienced agents at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency. Call us today to get started.

Floods Can Happen Anywhere, but Flood Insurance Offers Protection

Posted on by admin

Even in climates that are typically pretty dry, flooding is possible. That’s why it’s a good idea to assess your risk and determine whether flood insurance is right for you. If you’re in the Willis, TX area, Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency can help you learn about this important type of insurance and understand your risk. Then you can make an informed choice and have increased peace of mind.

Flood Insurance Protection

Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. It may seem more likely in climates where there’s more rainfall, but that’s not always true. A drier climate can have flooding risks because the ground doesn’t absorb rain as quickly. If there’s a strong storm, the water doesn’t get soaked up fast, and it has to go somewhere. That’s where flash flooding often comes from, especially during the later summer months when monsoons are more common.

To help protect your family and your assets, you may want to make sure you have all the right insurance coverage. That often includes protection from unlikely events that are still possible, such as floods. You can generally get this kind of coverage for a good value if you’re not in a flood zone because your risk of a claim is low. Most insurers understand that and will provide you with quotes that can meet your needs.

Consult With Us

If you’re in the Willis, TX area and looking for help with a flood insurance policy, Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency can answer your questions. We’ll work with you to find the policy that fits your situation, so you can feel comfortable and protected for the long term. You don’t want to put one of your largest assets at risk when it’s easy to avoid it. Reach out to us today to find a great flood policy.

Flood Insurance Myths Debunked

Posted on by admin

A major part of keeping your home properly protected is understanding your insurance policy, how it works, what it covers, and what is covered. The knowledgeable insurance professionals at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency are here to help clients in Willis, TX and the surrounding areas better understand these topics.

Let’s take a look at some of the myths surrounding flood insurance:

Myth: Your Home Insurance Policy Covers Flooding

This is a big misunderstanding many homeowners have concerning flood insurance. Your home insurance policy will cover flooding that occurs inside of your home caused by appliance or plumbing malfunction. You should understand that this is very different from flooding which results from a natural disaster.

A flood insurance policy is intended to cover natural disaster flooding or other cause of flooding from outside of the home.

Myth: You Won’t Qualify For Insurance In A High-Risk Area

There are obviously some areas of the country that are at a higher risk of flooding than others. Contrary to this myth, you can obtain flood insurance even if you live in these areas. You will need to have your flood risk professionally assessed, however.

Myth: Renters Aren’t Eligible For Flood Insurance

Renters can get flood insurance coverage for their belongings that are being housed in a rental property. You will need to sit down with an insurance professional to determine the value of your possessions to make sure you get an adequate policy. You should note that your personal items are not covered under the policy that your landlord or property manager has on the property itself.

Contact Us Today

Would like to learn more about flood insurance or any of the other insurance services that we provide? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, serving Willis, TX and the surrounding areas.

What Are The Waiting Periods For Flood Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. Every year, floods cause billions of dollars in damage and claim dozens of lives. If you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to have flood insurance. The question is, what are the waiting periods for flood insurance?

Here is how to navigate the waiting periods and get coverage:

Federal Flood Insurance Waiting Periods

You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This insurance policy has a waiting period of 30 days from your purchase date. If something happens during what is known as the blackout period, you’ll not be covered.

Private Flood Insurance Waiting Period

Private flood insurance policies have different waiting periods depending on the insurer. Some insurers will have a waiting period of 14 days, others have a 30-day period, while others might not have one at all. The thing is, you need to ensure you get your policy from a reputable insurer like Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency in Willis, TX.

Which of the Two Should You Get?

It all depends on your needs and budget. If you feel like you’re in a high-risk area,  then getting a private policy with a shorter waiting period is ideal. At Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, we can help you get the right flood insurance policy that will protect your home. If not, the NFIP policy might be a better fit for you.

Contact Us Today

There you have it. These are the waiting periods for flood insurance. If you have any questions or would like to get a quote, Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency in Willis, TX is here to help. Give us a call today, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your flood insurance needs.

Archives

Categories