Flood insurance discount available in Roanoke County [The Roanoke Times, Va.]

Oct. 27--Because of Roanoke County's participation in the Community Rating System, area residents in flood hazard zones with flood insurance are eligible for a discount.

The program, initiated in the 1990s by the Federal Insurance Administration, rewards localities that go beyond the basic requirements of the National Flood Insurance program. The goal is to reduce future flood losses and promote awareness about flood insurance.

Arnold Covey, the county's community development director, said the discount as been available for residents the past several years and is awarded annually. He said the county does a variety of things to earn the designation, including having a stringent flood zones ordinance.

County residents with National Flood Insurance Program policies issued or renewed on property in flood hazard zones will receive a 10 percent discount on flood insurance premiums. According to a news release from the county, officials expect the total savings for residents in the county to be more than $40,000 per year.

Covey encouraged residents to contact their insurance company to make sure they are receiving the discount.

"Insurance companies may have already picked up on it," he said.

For more information, contact the county's department of community development at 772-2096, Ext. 234.

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