Typically, we hear about flood insurance being required upon purchasing a home in a flood zone. The mortgage company requires flood insurance as long as there is a loan on the house. The greater the flood risk to the home, the more the policy will cost.
However, once you pay off your home, you have the option to drop flood insurance. Flood coverage is also optional if your home is not located in a designated flood zone. Keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance policies exclude flood coverage, so opting out of flood protection leaves you fully responsible for the costs of rebuilding.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines different tiers of flood zones. Your insurance professional can help you understand where your home lies. FEMA reports that more than 25% of flood claims nationwide are from homes outside of high-risk flood areas, so consider the value of coverage.
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