·     As soon as you get a non-renewal notice, start shopping - don't procrastinate!
·     Seek out a seasoned insurance broker with access to multiple options.
·    Do as much mitigation as you can to reduce the risk of your home being damaged or destroyed in a severe weather event. Seek out programs in your community that offer mitigation help and/or grants.
·    Provide your insurer with documentation of completed mitigation steps and/or your community’s risk reduction activities.
·   Get quotes for different deductible levels and make an informed decision: A higher deductible reduces your premium. With too high a deductible your insurance won’t cover even a moderate-sized claim. 
·    Avoid making small claims. Your claim history impacts your risk score. Your risk score impacts your insurance options and costs. 
·  Try and reduce/eliminate coverage you can live without (e.g. high dollar limits on Contents/Personal Property, Other Structures).
·    If you can't find a known brand insurer willing to insure your home, research the financial strength of the companies that offer you quotes.
·     If a state-sponsored insurance plan is your only option, consider supplemental policies to fill coverage gaps.
 
Tried and true tips:
 
·     Bundle your home, auto and/or umbrella policies.
·     Ask what discounts you may qualify for.
·     Comparison shop as much as feasible.
·   Aim to insure your property for its replacement value, even if that means you don’t pick the cheapest policy.
·     Ideally, buy insurance that covers risks in your region (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, hail).
 
What can an insurance agent or broker do to help me?
 
·     Put in the time to seek out the best available options.
·     Identify insurance options that are only available through a broker.
·     Help you make good decisions and save money.
·     Tailor your coverages to your specific situation and needs.
·    Walk you through options available through non-standard (“non-admitted” “excess/surplus”) or government-sponsored programs.
·     Possibly offer a premium financing plan.
 

​Flood Insurance?  Now?
 
Flood Insurance has a mandatory 30 day waiting period from the date you purchase it – meaning you can’t “time” buying flood insurance based on a weather report or an impending flood or storm. 
 
Whether it is from summer snowmelt or you want to purchase protection before rates go up in the fall, now is a good time to starting looking into flood coverage!
 
Whether you're a renter or a property owner, take a moment to consider adding flood insurance to your financial safety net. Bottom line: basic home and renters policies don't cover flood repairs, but you can fill that protection gap. Not sure if you have flood risk? Take this quiz.
 
Home insurance prices are at an all-time high in many parts of the US today, but protecting your assets is still so important. If you're not in a high flood risk area, adding that protection won't be a budget buster. If you have an NFIP policy but are considering dropping it, make an informed decision before you do.
 
 
Flood insurance details:
 
·     You can add flood coverage through a private flood insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”). 
·     There will be a waiting period from the date you buy it to the date it kicks in. (30 days for an NFIP policy).
·     Flood insurance can be very affordable, depending on your location.
·     Use this link to learn about your area's flood risk, contact an insurance agent or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627. 
·     If you have a mortgage and your home is in a “Special Hazard Flood Zone” your lender will require flood insurance. 
·     An NFIP policy provides $250,000 max to repair flood damage to your home. 
·     An NFIP policy provides $100,000 max for belongings but not automatically. You have to ask and pay for this additional coverage. 
·     An NFIP policy will NOT cover temporary rent if your home is uninhabitable after a flood. Most private flood policies cover that expense.
 
Contact your insurance agent or company and ask:
 
·     How much will it cost to insure my home and belongings for flood damage? 
·     Can you help me compare the cost, coverages and options in an NFIP versus adding coverage to my existing policy through a "flood endorsement" or private flood insurer? 
·     Would a flood rider or endorsement give me more than $250,000 in coverage? Will it cover temporary rent?