During Flood Safety Awareness Week, DOBI Acting Commissioner Kobylowski Encourages Homeowners to Consider the Need for Flood Insurance

TRENTON, N.J., March 15 -- The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued the following news release:

New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) Acting Commissioner Ken Kobylowski today reminded New Jersey consumers that National Flood Awareness Week, March 12-16, is an ideal time to evaluate their need for a flood insurance policy. He stressed to consumers that a typical homeowners or renter's policy does not cover flood damage.

"Many homeowners may mistakenly believe that their standard homeowner's policy covers flood damage. Consumers who want coverage for flood damage must purchase a separate flood policy," said Kobylowski. "Unfortunately as we learned during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, some homeowners do not find this out until they have already suffered property damage."

Homeowners and renters can purchase flood insurance policy directly from The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program which is the primary provider of flood insurance, or directly through their insurance carrier or broker. Consumers should also be aware that flood insurance is not effective until 30 days after it is purchased.

Acting Commissioner Kobylowski also reminded consumers to check whether their homeowner's policy covers mold damage. Most standard homeowner's policies do not cover mold damage, but the coverage is generally available as an extension of the standard policy.

The Acting Commissioner further advised that even homeowners and renters who live in areas considered low risk should consider flood insurance, since, according to the NFIP, about 25 percent of flood claims come from these areas.

Finally, he joined the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in urging consumers to take an inventory of their possessions before a flood situation occurs.

A recent survey by the NAIC found that most consumers do not have an adequate inventory of their belongings. A home inventory can help consumers review the types and level of coverage necessary and can greatly assist in filing a claim following a major loss.

To assist in creating a home inventory, consumers should download a home inventory spreadsheet or smart phone application provided by the NAIC, here: http://www.insureuonline.org/home_inventory_page.htm

For more information on flood insurance go to: http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/homeowner.htm or to http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/index.jsp.

National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 12-16, is a partnership of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During this week, FEMA, NOAA and government agencies at all levels across the country work to raise awareness regarding the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what consumers can do can do to protect life and property.

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