The Eastern Kentucky Flooding Disaster and What You Need to Know

Following one of the worst tornado disasters in the state of Kentucky, dangerous flash flooding is taking place in the eastern part of the state. The Kentucky governor, Andy Beshear, has indicated he expects to receive a federal state of emergency declaration which gives state governors extra powers and access to special funding to deal with the catastrophe.

On the heels of an event like this, homeowners and business owners alike are left looking at the remnants of their livelihood wondering how they can recover? Insurance companies across the country will receive reports of property damages with only a portion of those claims being eligible by way of their flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the FEMA and is delivered to the public by a network of more than 50 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct.

But what coverage does the NFIP offer policyholders after a flood?

If building coverage has been purchased:

What’s covered:
• The insured building and its foundation
• The electrical systems
• Central air-conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
• Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor 
• Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
• Window blinds
• Debris removal 

If personal property/contents coverage has been purchased:

What’s covered:
• Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
• Carpeting not included in building coverage
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Food freezers and the food in them
• Certain valuable items such as artwork, furs, and jewelry (up to $2,500) 

What is not covered by flood insurance?

Your policy lists specific coverage exclusions and limitations. Please refer to your policy for the complete list. 

Examples of uncovered or excluded losses:
• Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner
• Additional living expenses such as temporary housing
• Most self-propelled vehicles such as cars, including their parts
• Property and belongings outside of a building such as trees, plants, shrubs, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
• Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of insured property
• Any damage caused by water flow beneath the earth’s surface (review the exclusions section in your flood insurance policy for specific information on damage caused by seepage or drain or sewer backup)
• The cost of complying with any ordinance of law requiring or regulating the construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, or repair of property, including removal of any resulting debris 

The staff at GreenPA are certified by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to handle your flood losses. These cases are adjudicated under the Federal flood insurance program and have differing criteria over your average damages claim.

If you need help managing your insurance claim, contact our office at (937) 657-9295 or visit us online at www.thegreenpa.com.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) recommends the following steps following a Flood Loss:

Step 1: Compile invoices from appliance repairs with appliance serial numbers included.
Step 2: Obtain and provide receipts to verify repairs that were made following any prior flood loss.
Step 3: Separate damaged and undamaged property.
Step 4: Make a list of all damaged belongings if you have contents coverage.
Step 5: Take pictures or videos of damaged property before removing from the location.