As we turn the corner into spring, it’s time to think about rain showers and flooding. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from flooding. Who should consider flood insurance? Everyone, according to FEMA. Everyone is at some risk of a flood damaging their home and property. Developers might build a neighborhood in a place where bayous or wetlands would have soaked up rainwater. And a heavy, prolonged rainstorm– like we saw with Hurricane Harvey – could stall over a city, causing flooding where it might not normally flood. Will someone tell me if I need flood insurance? Not necessarily. If you have a mortgage and you live in a flood hazard area, your lender might require you to have flood insurance. If not, it’s up to you to ask your insurance agent for flood insurance. Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a flood hazard area? FEMA says 40% of the flood claims are for homes outside flood hazard areas. What’s the risk of not having flood insurance? The risk is the possibility a flood will damage your house and contents and you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket. One inch of rain in your home can cause about $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage. Won’t FEMA help me if my home floods and I don’t have insurance? If storm damage is declared a disaster by the president, FEMA might offer financial assistance. The average disaster assistance check is about $4,000. The average flood claim is about $115,000. Disaster assistance isn’t meant to completely fix your home. How do I get flood insurance? Ask your homeowners insurance agent or company. If they don’t sell flood insurance, go to Floodsmart.gov to find a flood insurance agent. You can buy up to $250,000 in flood coverage to repair your home. Renters can also get flood insurance on their personal property. You have to wait 30 days after purchase for your flood policy to take effect. So don’t wait until a storm is on the way to shop. Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property