Flood insurance options being offered for Siouxlanders

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — There’s a variety of insurance options to choose from that can help keep homeowners safe from future flooding situations, but there are some key differences that you should know about.

“A typical homeowner’s policy actually does not cover damages as a result of overland flooding,” Iowa DNR National Flood Insurance Coordinator Jason Conn said. “The only way to get coverage for flood damages is through a flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program, or there are several private companies that now offer privately backed flood insurance.”

While just about anyone can apply to private companies for their flood insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a few requirements.

“To be able to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, you have to reside within a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program,” Conn said. “So, for instance, Sioux City participates as its own entity, and then every county participates as its own entity. Anybody that resides in the unincorporated portions of Woodbury County is able to purchase flood insurance.”

According to FEMA, you can apply to the NFIP and some private insurance companies even after your homes have been damaged, with a waiting period of about 30 days. Experts say it’s a smart choice for present and future flooding situations.

“Flood insurance coverage is always recommended, particularly if you live within the special hazard area, or within the 0.2% annual chance floodplain, which is considered the 500 year floodplain,” Conn said. “Again, because a homeowner policy doesn’t cover any flood damages, only flood insurance policies cover flood damages.”

If you’re unsure whether or not your home is in a flood plain, Dan Priestley, the Woodbury County Zoning Coordinator, recommends people reach out to their city officials.

“I cannot emphasize enough for property owners to carefully look for and contact us if you’re unsure about the layout of the floodplain,” Priestley said. “We would be happy to point to the maps as far as if the property is in or out of the flood plain.”

Conn recommends reaching out to your home insurance agency to see if they cover flooding as well as applying for the National Flood Insurance Program.

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