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Central Alabama Flood Update & FAQs Answered

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Montgomery, Alabama, May 8, 2009 — Torrential rains and flooding caused much damage Thursday in Central Alabama. One person was reported killed and numerous houses and businesses were damaged, many of which did not have flood insurance.

If you do not have flood insurance and are wondering if you have coverage elsewhere, this article should answer most your questions. However, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

I don’t have flood insurance. Am I covered under another policy for this flood damage?
This depends on the source of the waters. Damage caused by rising waters is only covered under flood insurance. However, some homeowners and property insurance policy may provide additional coverage for damage caused by the backup of sewers and drains. The source of the water that caused the damage is determined on a case-by-case basis by your insurance company’s adjuster.

Also, some inland marine policies include coverage on computers, equipment, etc that are damaged in a flood.

Is there any government aid available if I didn’t have flood insurance?
Alabama’s local and state governments have requested a State of Emergency from the federal government. If Alabama is granted this request, there will be Federal funding available through FEMA for homeowners with damage without flood insurance and low interest loans from the Small Business Administration for eligible businesses, homeowners, and renters.

According to Steve Jones, Director of the City of Montgomery’s Department of Emergency Management Agency, their agency may not receive any news on their request until thirty days from now. However, if Alabama is granted a State of Emergency, this news will be widely broadcasted on the major media outlets. Also, our clients who report damage will receive a letter from Starke Agency letting them know what assistance is available to them.

Note: FEMA’s website tracks which states receive a State of Emergency declared by the federal government.

I have flood damage but do not have flood insurance, how should I proceed?
If you do not have flood insurance, we recommend that you report your claim to our office. Depending on the source of the flooding, one of your other policies may cover some/all of the damage. Also, if the federal government declares a State of Emergency, we will be contacting our clients who reported damage but did not have flood insurance. Therefore, it is to your advantage to report the claim.

We are thankful for your continued confidence and would like to help you however we are able. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.