Expert recommends Iowans consider flood insurance

(Radio Iowa) - Many Iowa home owners are seeing their insurance premiums rise and some companies are refusing to insure some properties altogether.

Sonya Sellmeyer, a consumer advocacy officer in the Iowa Insurance Division, says Iowans facing a significant hike in homeowners insurance could consider a higher deductible -- if it's an amount they can afford. Sellmeyer's encouraging Iowans to have a discussion with their licensed insurance agent, to ensure their policy would cover the cost of replacing their home and its contents.

And Sellmeyer, who spent time in Spencer shortly after it was flooded in June, is strongly suggesting all Iowans sit down with their insurance agent and see if flood insurance is something they need. Flooding is the most common AND costly natural disaster in the United States.