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R&R Insurance Blog

Here Comes The Rain Again

Posted by the knowledge brokers

FloodingWisconsin Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel reminds and encourages consumers to make sure their insurance policy is up to date before the rainy season starts. "Many consumers don't realize that a flood insurance policy has a 30-day waiting period before it becomes effective," said Nickel. "Consumers need to act soon in order to have the protection in place by the time spring arrives."

Wisconsin's recent experience with flooding should serve as a reminder to everyone that you don't need to live in a flood plain to be exposed to flooding. Every year since 2007, there has been flooding in the state serious enough to cause significant damage, some serious enough to result in federal disaster declarations.

According to FEMA, there were less than 16,500 flood insurance polices in force as of September 30, 2010. While there was 3% growth in the number of flood insurance policies sold in Wisconsin for the same period, "We need to do better," said Nickel. "There is too much exposure and not enough coverage."

The standard homeowner's policy does not cover damage to property and possessions in the event of a flood. Just a few inches of flood water can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Flood insurance is relatively inexpensive and is available under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally-backed program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Under the flood insurance program, coverage may be purchased as long as the property is located in a community that participates in the NFIP. To verify if a community participates, check with a property insurance agent or visit the FEMA Website. Information on the program can be obtained by calling 800-427-2419 or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.

If you are Wisconsin resident and would like to know more about flood insurance for your personal insurance package contact a knowledgbroker.

Topics: Personal Insurance, flood damage, flood safety awareness, flood insurance, homeowner's policies, FEMA, flooding, National Flood Insurance Program, flood smart, NFIP

Water Damage Do's and Don'ts

Posted by the knowledge brokers

sewar backupWater Damage can happen due to storms, broken water pipes, clogged drains, broken appliances, roof leaks, sewer leaks and more. Water damage requires fast action.

Here are some ways to minimize your damage before professional help arrives:

Do's

  • Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands & rubber boots to protect your feet and legs.
  • Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call for professional help. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting with sponges.
  • Pull up wet rugs and carpets if hardwood floors are below.
  • Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
  • Move photos, paintings, art objects, computers, other electronics and valuables to a safe, dry location.
  • Do not remove books from shelves. Pack them tightly to prevent page warping until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
  • Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for faster drying in summer (only if there is no visible mold) and winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating. Also, open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

Don'ts

  • Do not enter rooms where there is wet and sagging ceiling!
  • Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
  • Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
  • Use heat to dry closed building interiors. Mildew and more moisture damage can occur.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
  • Do not disturb visible mold.

For Wisconsin residents, contact a KnowledgeBroker at R&R Insurance for information on protecting your home from water damage, floods, broke pipes. We do offer sewer backup endorsements and have up to date information for flood zone residents, including the new cost-saving flood insurance from FEMA.

Information taken in part from ServiceMaster Clean website.

Topics: R&R Insurance, Personal Insurance, flood insurance from fema, sewer backup endorsements, broken water pipes, sewer leaks, flood insurance, knowledgebroker, flood zone, water damage, roof leaks, FEMA, flood, sagging ceiling, sewer damage, moisture damage, sewer backup, clogged drains

New Cost-Saving Flood Insurance Option From FEMA

Posted by Resource Center

Beginning January 1, 2011, a new insurance rating option from FEMA`s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows many property owners who previously didn't qualify, to take advantage of the low-cost insurance for two years before they are required to pay standard rates.

NAPS (North American Precis Syndicate) provides information about the options for low-cost insurance from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that went into effect 1/1/11. This new option represents an important way to save on flood insurance for those who are newly required to carry it. After two years at the reduced PRP rates, policies will increase to standard rates.

To learn more visit the FEMA website or call (800) 427-4661.

Topics: Personal Insurance, Business Insurance, flood insurance, flood protection, FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, high-risk flood areas