VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia residents still recovering from Hurricane Matthew should review their insurance policies carefully before filing claims, said the Virginia Department of Emergency Management today.
Residents who have experienced flood damage as a result of the hurricane are filing claims with their property insurers as they recover and rebuild. Many homeowners are discovering that their insurance policies do not cover flood damage to their homes.
Homeowners’ insurance policies issued in Virginia typically do not provide coverage for damage to your home and belongings due to floods, surface water or storm surges. However, the federal government sells insurance for direct flood and flood-related damage to homeowners, renters and businesses in eligible communities through its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period for a new flood insurance policy to take effect. To learn more about this program, contact your insurance agent or the NFIP at 888-379-9531, visit www.floodsmart.gov, or go to the online booklet “The NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook” at http://go.usa.gov/x89kz
For insurance questions and concerns not relating to flood damage, contact the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance toll-free at 877-310-6560.
Homeowners whose policies do not cover damage completely may still be able to receive financial assistance. The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan program is a resource for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations whose flood-related property losses surpass their insurance coverage. To learn more and apply for an SBA loan, visit https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/.