Hartford Fire Insurance Company

If you live in an area that is at high risk for flooding, due to storm surges or heavy rainfall, you are actually mandated by law to buy flood insurance. The average cost of a yearly premium is about $650 per year or $55 per month. However, you do not have to buy flood insurance if you live in a moderate to low risk area. But, according to The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, everyone is at risk for flooding.

The Hartford Fire Insurance Company also notes that flood related damage isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance and has to be bought separately. That’s true, but it should be pointed out again that you’re only mandated to buy flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area for flooding.

Hartford and How the National Flood Insurance Program Works

Back in 1968 the US Congress approved a program called The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The reason it did this is so flood insurance could become affordable for average Americans. But the government didn’t create a public option. This works the same way that the federal government’s overhaul of healthcare works where the feds create rules for coverage and pricing and let private insurance companies actually sell the insurance plans. There are at least 79 insurance companies allowed to sell flood insurance in the United States and the Hartford Insurance company, which is also known as the Hartford Fire/Midwest Insurance Company (they use the same logo), is one of those insurance companies.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

A standard policy, according to the official Hartford website, and as mandated by federal guidelines, includes coverage of:

• The Building
• Its Contents
• Both Building and Contents

You can also opt for more coverage that includes:

• The building’s structural elements such as walls, floors, equipment and fixtures
• Contents such as furniture, appliances and wall and floor coverings
• Personal items such as clothing, audio equipment, and televisions

You can also lower your rates depending on these factors:

• You live in an area that only has a moderate to low risk for flooding.
• You meet the requirements of something called a ‘preferred risk policy.’
• Choose higher deductibles
• You live in an area that participates in the NFIP Community Rating System

How to Purchase Insurance from the Hartford Insurance Company

Contact a local agent that represents The Hartford Insurance Company and asking for a flood insurance quote. You can also give them a call at 1800-296-7542. The company also encourages customers to use the NFIP’s website called Floodsmart.gov which you can find here:

https://www.floodsmart.gov

That site can help you get an initial quote and even help estimate your damages from flooding, which can be substantial.