Mainers Urged to Purchase Flood Insurance

March 11, 2013

For more information, contact: John Bott at 207-287-3156

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sue Baker, State NFIP Coordinator Maine Floodplain Management Program

207) 287-8063 sue.baker@maine.gov

AUGUSTA – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Maine Floodplain Management Program urges Mainers to consider purchasing flood insurance. If your home or business is located close to a water body, it might be a good idea to purchase flood insurance in advance of the spring rains. Standard home- and business-owners’ insurance policies do not cover flood-related damages. A separate flood insurance policy can be purchased through your local insurance agent.

Consumers are urged to act quickly, because there is a 30-day waiting period before any new policy goes into effect unless insurance is being purchased in direct connection with making, increasing, extension, or renewal of a loan. If consumers delay, they may be left without flood coverage when it is needed most.

March and April are historically the months when flooding occurs in Maine, but heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. It is estimated that up to 75% of homes and businesses in floodplains in Maine are not covered by flood insurance. The average annual premium is $930. As long as the community you reside in participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance coverage can be purchased for buildings and their contents no matter where you reside in the community.

Property owners interesting in obtaining flood insurance should contact their insurance agency directly. Additional information about the National Flood Insurance Program is available through the Maine Floodplain Management Program by calling 287-8063.