Mainers Urged to Purchase Flood Insurance | The Valley Voice

Remember there is a 30 waiting period before plan takes effect.

1987 Flood in Gardiner, Maine

AUGUSTA, MAINE ? If your home or business is located close to a water body, the Maine Floodplain Management Program urges you to purchase flood insurance. Standard home- and business-owners? insurance policies do not cover flood-related damages. A separate flood insurance policy can be purchased through your local insurance agent.

But, don?t wait, there is a 30-day waiting period before any new policy goes into effect. If you don?t buy insurance now, you may be left without flood coverage when you need it most.

March and April are historically when flooding occurs in Maine, but heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. It is estimated that up to 75% of homes and businesses in floodplains in Maine are not covered by flood insurance. The average annual premium is $898. As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can buy flood insurance no matter where you live.

Additional assistance is available through the Maine Floodplain Management Program by calling 624-6200 or 1-800-662-4545 (in-state). The Floodplain Management Program helps communities participating or interested in joining the National Flood Insurance Program by providing technical information, floodplain maps, and model ordinances to reduce the risk of flooding.

Source: http://thevalleyvoice.org/2012/02/24/mainers-urged-to-purchase-flood-insurance/51860/

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