Insurance Commissioner Recognizes Flood Insurance Awareness Week
Madison, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed February 4-10, 2024, Flood Insurance Awareness Week in Wisconsin to recognize our state's increasing flood risk and the importance of having appropriate insurance coverage.
“Now is the time to prepare for spring flooding and consider getting flood insurance coverage," said Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek. “Flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have a 30-day waiting period so don't wait until flood waters are rising."
Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage, yet millions of Wisconsinites don't have flood insurance coverage. Flood insurance policies can protect individuals, families, and business owners alike.
Low-cost renters flood insurance from the NFIP can start at just $100 per year.
“One inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage so even small or moderate floods can be financially devastating if you don't have the right insurance," said Commissioner Houdek. “Whether you rent or own, there is flood insurance coverage available for your needs. Look into flood insurance today by visiting
floodsmart.gov or talk to your insurance agent."
Flood insurance is available even for those who don't live in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), also known as floodplains. On average,
40% of the NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside of these high-risk flood areas. Flood insurance policies will also pay a claim regardless of whether there is a presidentially declared disaster, unlike FEMA grants or other sources of disaster recovery funding.
Consumers in
certain communities in Wisconsin may even get a special discount if their community participates in the
Community Rating System (CRS). As of 2021, NFIP policyholders in CRS communities across the country
saved an average of $162 per year on their flood insurance policy.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has a number of resources available to help consumers understand flood insurance at
oci.wi.gov/flood. There is also information on mitigating flood risks at
oci.wi.gov/disasters.