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By Mike Causey

As I visit many of the western North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, I’m heartbroken by the destruction I see. I’m also disturbed that many people whose homes were damaged or lost by floodwaters during Helene, which had tropical storm force winds when it passed through western North Carolina, did not have flood insurance.

While mobile homeowners and comprehensive (other than collision) automobile insurance policies do cover damage from flooding, standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover damages from floods. Dwelling insurance and renters’ insurance policies also do not cover damages from flooding.

Most flood insurance policies are written by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There is also a private insurance flood program offered in North Carolina.

To get flood insurance through the NFIP, you need to go to their website at floodsmart.gov or call them at 800-427-4661. Don’t wait for another hurricane to head to North Carolina to sign up. There’s a 30-day waiting period between the time you sign up for coverage to begin.

Most North Carolina homeowners do not have flood insurance. While mortgage companies usually require standard homeowners’ insurance as a condition of getting a loan, many do not require flood insurance unless they’re located in a high-risk flood zone.

NFIP statistics show that about 139,000 people have flood insurance through NFIP statewide, with most of those located in the coastal areas of North Carolina. Only about 0.7% of homeowners in the 25 counties falling under the Hurricane Helene disaster declaration had flood insurance.

I’ve said on many occasions, if it rains at your house, you need flood insurance. Since Hurricane Florence cause a lot of flood damage in 2018, I’ve initiated efforts to inform North Carolinians about the need to purchase flood insurance. We have flood insurance classes, where insurance agents, adjusters, real estate agents, engineers and others can get continuing education credit by attending the classes. We remind homeowners many times during the year of the need to buy flood insurance.

We’ve made some progress, but obviously not enough progress.

Many people may not buy flood insurance because they think they don’t need it or that it’s expensive. I’m sure there are a lot of people in western North Carolina who wish they’d bought it. If you live in a low-risk flood zone, a flood insurance policy may be quite affordable.

I encourage you, while it’s fresh on your mind, to consider purchasing flood insurance. Buying it can help put your mind at ease as future storms approach.

Mike Causey is the insurance commissioner for North Carolina.

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