Actions

Florida residents should get flood insurance even if they're not at risk, experts say

'Everybody is in a flood zone, it's whether it's low hazard or high hazard,' Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance says

Insurance experts say everyone living in Florida should consider flood insurance.

Posted

and last updated

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — With the launch of new FEMA flood zone maps, thousands of property owners in Palm Beach County will need to get flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage.

However, insurance experts say everyone living in Florida should consider flood insurance.

"The common thing is people say, 'I'm not in a flood zone,''' Robert Norberg, the president Arden Insurance Associates in Lantana, said. "That's a misnomer here in Florida. Everybody is in a flood zone, it's whether it's low hazard or high hazard."

>> Download the WPTV app for updates on Florida's insurance crisis

Flooding, flood, Lake Worth Beach on June 12, 2024

Real Estate News

Why new FEMA flood maps are causing frustration in Palm Beach County

Matt Sczesny

Norberg said now is the time to explore flood insurance before rates increase.

He also said there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy takes effect.

"Statistically, about 30% of all instances that happen for flooding happen in those low-hazard zones," Norberg added. "A lot of people think it's covered under their homeowner's insurance, and it's not covered under your homeowner's insurance."

Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance explains why all residents need to have flood insurance in Florida. — Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance explains why all residents in Florida need to have flood insurance.

If you are in a low risk zone, Norberg said you can likely get a policy for $600 a year.

"Look at your surroundings, consider it now, get involved before they tell you, you have to get it," Norberg said.

He also said your insurance agent can gather additional information for you.

"We can run a fairly extensive search through our programs, our carriers, that have that, that will show exactly what zone they're in, what zone they're gonna be in, how much it's going to cost before and after the change," Norberg said. "There's a lot of different scenarios we can run through our program."