Flood Insurance Jacksonville
Think you don't need flood insurance, Jacksonville? Think again! Even if you live inland, miles away from the beaches, your Northeast Florida home or business is at risk for flooding. In fact, many fail to realize that even areas several hundred miles from the Atlantic Coastline can be affected by flood risks levied by hurricanes and tropical storms, even area designated as low or moderate flood zone risks.
When it comes to flood insurance, Jacksonville offers multiple reasons to buy. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts a full six months, from June 1 through November 30. And although Northeast Florida has many times been spared a direct hit (Anyone remember Hurricane Dora in 1964?) the area remains vulnerable to heavy seasonal rainfall. Among the risks that necessitate securing quality flood insurance in Jacksonville are:
- Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: High winds, soaking rain and flying debris pack a triple punch, causing storm surges in coastal neighborhoods and heavy rainfall that poses flood risks hundreds of miles inland;
- Heavy Rains: The Jacksonville area gets nearly 53 inches of rain each year, peaking in September with an average eight inches according to NOAA National Weather Service;
- Flash Floods: A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than six hours and can be caused by intense rainfall from seasonal thunderstorms and from the collapse or overflow of dams and other man-made structures;
- Dams and Levees: Dams are made to protect you from flood risks, but can decay over time or fail during heavy flooding. Dams in Northeast Florida include the North and South Jetties in Duval County, the Guana Dam in St. Johns County and the Rodman Dam and St. Johns Lock in Putnam County;
- New Development: New construction and development mean less land to absorb rainfall and change the natural drainage, creating new flood risks.
Still not convinced you need flood insurance, Jacksonville? Take note that standard property insurance and homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage and that there is a 30-day waiting period before newly purchased flood coverage goes in to effect. Also know that homes and businesses located in high risk areas such as the Atlantic Coastline have a 26% chance of experiencing a flood over the life of a 30-year mortgage. A full quarter of the businesses that close their doors during a flood never reopen them, and an uninsured home that sustains severe flood damage can cause financial and emotional devastation. Just two inches of water can cause upwards of $7,800 in damages to the average home. For flood insurance, call Jacksonville's Pablo Beach Insurance Group at (904) 244-7000.