How Do I Know If I’m In a Flood Plain?

Many people don’t think about living near a flood plain until a disaster occurs and they are threatened with devastating financial loss. It’s extremely important that you have the right type of insurance to fully protect your home and family. Residents of Deer Park, TX can contact the agents of Shell Insurance Agency if there are any questions at all about whether or not their home or business is in or even near a flood plain.

Types of Flood Plains

Flood plains normally surround rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. If you live in an area that is known for heavy rainfall, low-lying areas may also be considered prone to flooding as well, especially if there are few outlets that allow the water to escape. Even if you don’t live next to a river or lake, your property may still be in what is considered a flood plain. Instead of risking your financial security, you should talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance and whether or not it’s in your best interest to have some type of flood insurance in place.

Check with FEMA

If you want to learn more about flood plains in your area, visit FEMA.gov. The website has valuable information about flood plains and will provide you with a topographical map showing where flood plains are in proximity to your property.

If you live in Deer Park, TX or any of the surrounding communities, contact the agents of Shell Insurance Agency today! They will answer any questions you may have about flood insurance, flood plains, and the best way to protect your property from various types of flood damage. Call and schedule an appointment today!

Did You Know About ID Theft Insurance?

Identity theft has been a problem well before this digital age, but now more people are vulnerable than ever before due to the way we are all connected online. Many people do not realize that in addition to the basic ways to protect themselves from identity theft, there is identity theft insurance at very little cost. At Shell Insurance Agency, we offer insurance for whatever life throws your way, including fraud and ID theft. We serve Deer Park, TX and the surrounding areas with top rated insurance services. 

What Exactly is ID Theft Insurance? 

ID Theft Insurance is a form of insurance designed to allow the protected to recoup some of the expenses or money lost that comes with becoming a victim of the crime. Depending on your exact coverage, you may recoup all of your losses and you may even qualify for a day off of work to deal with the issue. Depending on the exact specifics of your coverage, the insurance may also cover court costs as well. 

This type of insurance is vital because so much of our lives are tied to our credit scores. An Identity thief may go after your personal information to pull off medical fraud using your information to get medical care that you will be financially responsible for, they may steal enough information to receive your tax return, they can open credit cards in your name, and even access your bank in extreme cases. ID theft is no joke and we have your back if you are protected with us. 

Contact us at the Shell Insurance Agency to find out about adding ID Theft insurance to your current homeowner’s policy, or if you are interested in buying a stand-alone ID Theft policy. We are here for you, no matter what life throws your way. We serve Deep Park, TX and the surrounding areas. 

Misconceptions Of Flood Insurance

In areas of high risk, it is said that there is a 25 percent chance of flooding during the 30 years of a home mortgage. Waiting for a flood warning is too late before you consider flood insurance. Also, do not assume that your homeowner’s policy covers for the peril of flooding or assume that you must be in a floodplain to obtain flood insurance. These misconceptions risk the life of your home and your security. The United States has experienced 100-year floods, and the last thing a person was concerned about was flood insurance until the first flash flood ruined their home in an area that never flooded in a homeowner’s lifetime.  

Flood disasters have affected millions of Americans, and as a result, you have to keep up with any changes in the analysis of flood zones. Both Hurricane Katrina and Sandy have forced Congress to considered new legislation which affects the insurance profession. Insurance agents are your first source of changes in private flood insurance because the National Flood Insurance Program is said to be broken. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has thousands of claims that are being disputed since 2005.

You should not assume that FEMA’s flood insurances cover all your losses. The loss of your physical structure is not insured over $250,000 which does not rebuild a $300,000 home or may not replace your possessions which are capped at $100,000. While "excess flood insurance" may be provided by private insurance, the $250,000 FEMA cap should be considered, in sad jest, as a "deductible." Further, what is meant by water damage? You must read your policy which may cover water damage coming through the roof but not the filling to the second story of your house with water. Further, your flood insurance policy may not cover relocation or replace your refrigerator in the basement.

The agents of Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX will provide advice and support when facing a potential flooding disaster. Please call!