February 11, 2010-Grand Forks Herald

Hamm advises flood insurance coverage

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm said there is a 30-day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to take effect and not all flood damage will be coverered by federal assistance.

By: Herald Staff Report, Grand Forks Herald

BISMARCK - North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm encourages homeowners, renters and business owners to think about purchasing a flood insurance policy.

“The latest information available from the National Weather Service indicates that there is a good chance North Dakota will see some spring flooding,” Hamm said. “Since there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective, it is imperative that people do not procrastinate but start checking into the purchase of a policy soon.”

Flood coverage must be purchased separately as it is not covered under a homeowner’s policy. Flood insurance is offered and underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program. Several insurance companies in North Dakota write and service flood policies through the NFIP. The list of companies in North Dakota that write and service flood policies through the NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfipInsurance/companies.jsp.

Hamm said that in the past, some consumers assumed they would receive disaster relief from the federal government to recover from flood damage.

“Not all floods are declared disasters, so consumers should not count on federal assistance,” he said.

For information regarding flood insurance coverage, call (800) 638-6620 or www.floodsmart.gov