Here are some common myths and facts about flood insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):
Myth: You can’t buy flood insurance if you live in a high-risk flood area.
Fact: You can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live as long your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Myth: Disaster assistance is the same as flood insurance.
Fact: Without flood insurance, most residents must pay out of pocket or take out loans to repair and replace damaged items. Federal assistance through FEMA is not always available and is not enough to get back to you to your pre-disaster condition.
Myth: FEMA will pay the deductible on your NFIP insurance.
Fact: FEMA will NOT pay the deductible on your NFIP insurance.
Myth: Any flood insurance policy will cover my home.
Fact: Your insurance agent can quote you the different levels of flood insurance coverage that make sense for you and your home– but if you have a mortgage, your lender may require a specific level of insurance.
Myth: You can’t buy flood insurance immediately before or during a flood.
Fact: You can purchase flood coverage at any time. However, don’t wait because policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. There are a few exceptions that reduce or eliminate the waiting period. Read about them at floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/terms
Myth: Not every flood zone has a flood risk.
Fact: If it can rain, it can flood. Flood insurance is needed and available in all flood zones.
Myth: Homeowners insurance policies cover flooding.
Fact: They generally do not.
Myth: Flood insurance is available only for homeowners.
Fact: Renters and business owners can get flood insurance too. Renters can get contents coverage to be able to replace belongings.
Myth: Only residents of high-risk flood zones need to insure their properties.
Fact: More than 40 percent of NFIP claims come from outside the high-risk areas. If you live in an area of minimal flooding, you may qualify for a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy.
Myth: Federal flood insurance can be purchased only directly through the NFIP.
Fact: The NFIP partners with more than 60 private insurance companies to sell and service flood insurance policies. If you don’t have an insurance company or your insurance agent does not sell flood insurance, use the NFIP insurance provider locator to find a provider near you. Phone NFIP at 877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov/
Myth: Wind-driven rain is considered flooding.
Fact: While flood insurance policies specifically exclude wind and hail damage, most homeowners’ policies include this coverage. Rain entering through wind-damaged windows or doors or holes in walls or the roof resulting in standing water or puddles is considered windstorm rather than flood damage. Federal flood insurance typically covers water that comes up from the bottom and enters your home from outside. Speak to a Community Education and Outreach specialist by calling 833-336-2487.
To address many of the common myths and rumors during the New Mexico wildfires, FEMA activated a rumor/myth webpage. You can access it online at fema.gov/nm-rumors.
For the latest information on the wildfires, visit fema.gov/disaster/4652. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.