Insurance commissioner offers tips
Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine had the following tips for homeowners suffering from flood damage:
For those without insurance (Oxendine estimates that’s 80 percent of those affected):
– Start dealing with the damage, either personally or by contacting a professional. Get the wet carpet out of the house. Do not save the padding. Throw it out.
– Get air flowing in the house, but do not use the air-conditioner. Open the windows. Use large fans and dehumidifiers.
– Hope the federal government approves FEMA money to assist Georgians financially.
For those with flood insurance:
– Document the damage for your insurance company. Make sure to take photos.
– Coordinate with your insurance agent to get a restoration company to dry, clean and decontaminate everything affected.
What if a sewer or septic tank backed up?
Oxendine says bare-bones policies do not cover that, but premium policies generally do. So make sure to check on that.
In the future, is flood insurance worth it?
Oxendine says about 9 percent of Georgians in single-family homes carry flood insurance. He thinks it’s worth considering in the future. In low-risk areas, he says some of the premiums run about $120 to $150. But, he added, it can be more expensive in higher risk areas.
This question was added later after many blog comments: Can any homeowner in Georgia buy flood insurance?
Most can. Homeowners in all but 16 communities in Georgia can purchase flood insurance if their home is not located in a flood plain. The excluded 16 communities did not chose to participate in the federal flood program. A list of communities that do participate can be found at www.fema.gov/cis/ga.pdf
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68 comments Add your comment
Question
September 23rd, 2009
11:04 am
Is flood insurance an option in the State of Georgia if you dont live in a flood zone? I heard Clark Howard and Neal Boortz say that insurance companies will not sell you flood insurance policy unless you are in a flood zone designated by the County. My bro-inlaw is a Prudential Insurance agent said the same thing. Is this not true or I’m I misunderstanding the flood insurance policy rules?
Answer
September 23rd, 2009
11:13 am
I think they will sell it to you, because I live in a townhome not in a flood plane, and my neighbot has carried it for years… It may depend on the carrier?
jdawg
September 23rd, 2009
11:13 am
I think that you need to check and see, my understanding is that flood insurance is available. One of the problems that the public may encounter is an agent that has not been to flood insurance education to sell it. That might have alot to do with it.. I think he said the other day that 33% of the claims for flood, were not in the flood plain. But, most people will not buy due to paying another premium….
gb1205
September 23rd, 2009
11:14 am
For those wanting health insurance to cover pre-exisitnng conditions…should homeowners also be able to flood insurance today to cover their losses from Monday?
gsb654
September 23rd, 2009
11:25 am
Flood Insurance is available to anyone (renters and homeowners) that choose to purchase this policy. The cost for a preferred Flood Insurance Policy is about $250 to $300 /year with a minimum deductible of $1,000. Homeowners with a mortgage that are located in a Flood Zone are required to purchase this additional insurance to close the mortgage. Since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA has updated the flood zone maps nearly every year bringing more and more properties that were not in flood zones, now are considered in flood zones. Those homeowners that purchased homes prior to Katrina may today be in a flood zone, when years ago they were considered not in a flood zone. There are 2 measurements of a flood zone – 100 year flood and 500 year flood.
gsb654
September 23rd, 2009
11:26 am
There is a 30 day waiting period when you purchase a Flood Insurance Policy, before the coverage begins.
truth
September 23rd, 2009
11:26 am
gb1205 – When you purchase a flood policy it has a 30 day delay before coverage would/should apply. As far as the damage from Monday and taking out a policy to cover it…. that will never happen. Each loss is seperate from each other. Meaning, you cannot buy a policy today that will cover damage from Monday.
Commissioner's Office
September 23rd, 2009
11:28 am
If your community participates in the Flood Program you can get coverage regardless of whether you’re in a designated flood area. From the NFIP Website (http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/) “The National Flood Insurance Program offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.”
Ryan
September 23rd, 2009
11:28 am
I am an insurance agent and anyone can buy flood insurance. You do not have to be in a flood zone. The cost is more like $300-$400 a year if you are not in a flood zone. More than the 120-150 mentioned above.
Richard
September 23rd, 2009
11:29 am
Get insurance after the fact? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week. According to the feds, everyone lives in a flood plain. It’s just the flood risk assigned to that plain. We have had flood insurance since we bought our house and it’s only $300 per year for $100k+ of coverage. $25/mo for peace of mind is well worth it. While everyone at work was worried that day, my wife and I knew we were protected if we took a hit.
See this website for some GREAT information.
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/
Jane
September 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
National flood insurance may be written only in participating communities. Only communities agreeing to FEMA’s requirements are eligible. There is a 30 day waiting period. The maximum coverage in the regular program is $250,000 on building and $100,000 on contents.
sandra
September 23rd, 2009
11:43 am
gb1205 – Even though some on this blog did not, I understand your humor and the point you were trying to get across. Getting health insurance for a pre-existing condition is the EXACT same thing as trying to purchase flood insurance for damage that occured Monday. It was a very good point…thank you.
Incredible Hulk
September 23rd, 2009
12:04 pm
As a catatroshpe adjuster trainer for 28 years for having worked diasters such as Hurricanes, Hugo, Andrew and Katrina. Remember 75% of the surface of the earth is covered by Water. The entire planet is a flood zone! The only thing that changes is the chance of occurence. Some area’s have a greater chance than other area’s. Do the math 20 years of flood insurance preminums at $ 400 a year and $1, 000 deductible thats almost $ 10,000 paid if nothing happens that same amount invested at 8% is more. You can always self insure and maybe come out ahead or equal. But always remember Surface Water is usually not covered under the regular Homeowners insurance policy. Believe it or not under some older mobile home policies Flood Damage may be Covered! Check with your agent. Special Note for folks that live near Lake Lanier down river what would happen if the dam broke spreading water down Gwinnett and Hall County?
Pat
September 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm
I was going to comment, but I forgot that everyone else on here is smarter and probably knows better. (i.e. Incredible Hulk, gb1205, etc.)
PinkoNeoConLibertarian
September 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm
No Sandra, it is not the same. At the risk of staying off topic…
The debate about pre-existing conditions comes about when you want to change insurance carriers, perhaps because of a job change, or you are dropped by your current carrier. You HAD insurance already but to get new insurance they will not cover your pre-existing conditions. That is wrong.
If I have flood insurance with one carrier and now I want to change to another carrier, or I got dropped by my current carrier because they “re-evaluated” their risk, there should be no waiting period or right to denial as long as I’m getting the same coverage I already have.
ChrisH
September 23rd, 2009
12:20 pm
Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine had the following tips today for homeowners suffering from flood damage:
– Hope the federal government approves FEMA money to assist Georgians financially.
>>>>>>
Thanks for the help, Oxendine. Moron.
Question
September 23rd, 2009
12:43 pm
Just got a call back from my bro-inlaw my insurance agent and said we can get a seperate policy for flood insurance regardless if you are in a flood plain zone or not. I wish he would of told me after the 2nd time our basement flooded and finished it. On Monday it flooded the basement twice, after we had extracted the water from the first flood earlier in the morning. My fault too that i should of researched flood insurance policy years ago when my basement flooded the first time. Thanks all for your insights.
Incredible Hulk
September 23rd, 2009
12:51 pm
Question don’t forget the flood policy is only effective 30 days after purchase. Therefore, your two floods on Monday would’nt have been covered unless the policy was purchased on or around August 19, 2009. This is for all the readers, in the future when your insurance agent calls you to talk or sell you something always take a minute to listen or return their call. You never know when what they have can be a life saver, physically or/and financially. Good Luck to all in the clean up. Remember, last year the folks in Iowa went through want the folks in the Atlanta area are going through now. I know I was there!
Yoko Ono
September 23rd, 2009
1:13 pm
ChrisH just echoed my sentiments. And this turkey is running for Gov.? How did such a nimrod get elected Insurance Commissioner? Where can I apply?
brandon
September 23rd, 2009
1:18 pm
gd1205 – Getting insurance with a pre-existing health condition is not the same. Health insurance will not pay for claims that occurred before you were insured. What is considered a pre-exiting condition? Let’s say that someone is diabetic – should their insurance carrier be able to say; buy our policy, but if any health issue comes up that we can possibly determine is related to diabetes…we don’t have to pay.
I am totally in favor of taking away an insurers ability to deny a claim for almost any reason they can come up with. This is the problem: if insurers were not screwing the customers the issue of Health Care reform would probably not even be an issue. As far as I am concerned; the insurance, medical, pharmaceutical industry screwed itself.
I guess those of you that might be recovering bank losses from the FDIC don’t want the government in your business either. How many of you are going to give back the money?
csquared
September 23rd, 2009
1:32 pm
of course they’re not giving the money back. that’s the hypocrisy of it all. as for Ox talking about insurance tips, I’d rather get my info from the Feds or other sources. Of course If he’s elected Gov. we’ll ALL need flood insurance from the BS. runs downhill you know?
Steve
September 23rd, 2009
1:34 pm
Hey, numbskulls!
When glb1205 asked “For those wanting health insurance to cover pre-exisiting conditions…should homeowners also be able to flood insurance today to cover their losses from Monday?” , he was RIDICULING the idea of being able to buy health insurance AFTER you get sick!
Paul
September 23rd, 2009
1:53 pm
Question- flood insurance will only cover parts of a dwelling that are above Ground level. If you are not in a flood zone the insurance is expensive but not insane, yes I know it is only aout $400 a year but that is what all other perils on a home policy cost for the same amount of coverage. If you do live in a flood zone be prepared to shell out some cash. a $200,000 home will cost you about $1300 depending on what zone you are in.
Heavenly creature
September 23rd, 2009
1:59 pm
“…he was RIDICULING the idea of being able to buy health insurance AFTER you get sick!”
no Steve, HE WAS NOT. That post, and yours and a few others who support it, just shows what idiots we have to contend with in society. There is absolutely no correlation between pre-existing medical conditions and ANYTHING glb or YOU wrote. His analogy was way off base, as is your interpretation of it. Go back to school, brainiac. And leave the important decisions to people who understand. Brandon is the one who makes sense on this thread. Read his comment. Then shut up.
Augustus on the Gulf Coast
September 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
I pay $100/month for flood insurance covering the house only, not the garage or contents. The premiums go up for everything you add to coverage. Since Hurricane Ike, I added contents coverage. Costs a few hundred more/year but could be worth it. In any case, flood insurance doesn’t make you whole. In addition to the deductible, depreciation of covered items is included. If it covers 75 percent of your loss, you’re doing well. I know of some flood victims whose houses were completely destroyed leaving only the foundation and all they got was a check to cover 50 percent of the value, leaving the owners with a mortgage to pay off.
Augustus on the Gulf Coast
September 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
One more thing, FEMA won’t spend more than about $28K per house for those without flood insurance. And it make take a year or more to get the money. Don’t expect them to make you whole.
Richard
September 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
I don’t think FEMA should pay ANYTHING for those without flood insurance. Why should the government help those who don’t help themselves?
Augustus on the Gulf Coast
September 23rd, 2009
3:03 pm
Well, you may think they don’t, but they do. If you were a victim of Ike, you’d know. A lot of people who lose their houses are poor and can’t afford flood insurance. They’ve lived in the house forever and there’s no mortgage. Google it if you don’t believe me.
Kelly
September 23rd, 2009
3:11 pm
is that webpage correct that was given to see the communities in GA that participate in flood coverage?
Jim
September 23rd, 2009
3:11 pm
I am a Insurance Agent Also… and when they say $300-400 a year for flood… All of the rates are based on amount of Coverage …. If you want higher coverage such as $100,000 to $250,000 rates can be as high as $850 to $2000 a year….
Nono
September 23rd, 2009
3:22 pm
glb1205–your analogy wasn’t accurate. The correct comparison would be someone buying health insurance and then asking the insurance company to cover the cost of an actual doctors visit or surgery or medical SERVICE that took place before their insurance coverage kicked in, not the health condition itself. Oh, and it must be nice to be so healthy that you don’t have to be up nights worrying that if you ever change jobs or get laid-off, your likelihood of NOT having health insurance again is astronomical because of pre-existing chronic health conditions that are totally beyond your control and in no way your fault for having. Way to go you narcissist. Your lack of compassion for your fellow human beings simply astounds me.
Dave in Marietta
September 23rd, 2009
3:27 pm
gb 1205 knows that providing health insurance for a human being is far different than insuring your house. He was being sarcastic because he obviously doesn’t have sympathy for people with preexisting health problems.
PC
September 23rd, 2009
3:31 pm
We live in a 100 year flood zone and are required by our mortgage company to have flood insurance. We pay $1,500. a year. It is all about the risk factor. Today it paid off.
Mike
September 23rd, 2009
3:34 pm
I’m a catastrophic adjuster also….
You can purchase flood coverage with your carrier(by endorsement/HO3 policy only) or thru the federal government. You can’t buy coverage today and have it enforced for the recent storms… but better to be safe than sorry.
SunkelSam
September 23rd, 2009
3:35 pm
It is definitely the GOPs fault for not regulating the insurance companies more than they did.
Pat
September 23rd, 2009
3:39 pm
I think Richard should use his nickname instead. It’s fitting.
Hmm…..let’s see, where do I start. Flood Insurance Maps are measured for the 100-year flood and 100-year encroachment. I have some maps here if you think I’m wrong. The 500-year data is not available on all maps, b/c all haven’t been updated yet. Besides the fact that this is recent, if you are nowhere near these floodplains, why would you think you would need this insurance?
This was an abnormal flood, Dick. Helping yourself has nothing to do with it. Next time you’re in an abnormal flood where things shouldn’t happen and you’re clinging onto a tree for life, I’ll make sure to tell the rescuers “He can do it himself!”
John
September 23rd, 2009
3:50 pm
We offer Flood insurance here at my office. http://www.johnlewisagency.com
After the fact
September 23rd, 2009
4:20 pm
Classic “I think Richard should use his nickname instead. It’s fitting.”
bkbroila
September 23rd, 2009
4:22 pm
OK…John OxenDICK…he feeds on these opportunities to get his NERDass out and POLITIC FOR GOVERNOR…WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER’S HOME WAS FLOODED IN SOUTH GA….GEMA CAME RIGHT IN AND OFFERED RELIEF…OXENDINE CALLS TO FIND OUT WHERE HE CAN LAND THE “STATE HELICOPTER” TWO WEEKS AFTER THE FLOOD WATERS RECEED SO “PEOPLE WILL SEE IT LAND AND KNOW HE WAS(CONCERNED)! HE WENT STRAIGHT TO CITY HALL AND THE FIRE CHIEF AND CHEIF OF POLICE AND TOWN OFFICIALS TO “ASK FOR SUPPORT FOR HIS GOVERNORAL CAMPAIGN”…HE DID NOTHING FOR THE PEOPLE. HE LET GEMA DO EVERYTHING AND THEN SHOWS UP, PRETENDING TO GIVE A CRAP. WHAT A DOUCHE BAG.
HEY JOHN, SINCE WE PAY FOR YOU A STATE CAR WITH LEATHER, POWER SEATS, AND $6,500 WORTH OF UPGRADES EVERY COUPLE YEARS, WHY DON’T YOU DRIVE THEM EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE, RATHER THAN WRECK THEM AFTER A NICE WINE BINGE…TWICE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO FLY A HELICOPTER FROM ATLANTA TO MACON WHEN YOU HAVE A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT….GA TAXPAYERS ARE TIRED OF FOOTING YOUR UNNECCESARY TABS…AND BUY SOME LOOSER SHIRTS, YOU FATSO…
OH, I COULD GO ON ALL DAY, BUT I HAVE TO GET BACK TO WORK…I HAVE TAXES TO PAY SO THIS FAT MORON CAN SPEND IT…TALK ABOUT FAIR TAX, JOHN? MAKE SOME PROMISES YOU HAVE NO INTENTION DELIVERING ON…TOOL BAG
HJO
September 23rd, 2009
4:50 pm
What if you don’t have flood damage but rather water damage in the basement due to the heavy rain.I live up on a hill but still have water in the basement from the rain.
Thanks
HJO
September 23rd, 2009
4:52 pm
Enter your comments here
Sid560
September 23rd, 2009
4:58 pm
Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine should have helped Georgians be better covered and prepared. Oxendine can’t even run the insurance commision right, and now he wants to run the state as Governor? No way will I ever vote for Oxendine for anything!!
BoBo
September 23rd, 2009
5:12 pm
HJO, How did the water get into the basement? If its surface water..water that came down hit the ground then entered the home then its not covered.
Drunkdawg
September 23rd, 2009
5:16 pm
If you want or need flood insurance due to your area flooding, buy it and use it. If you dont need it or will not buy it then shut-up. If you wait until its too late and then say, I wish someone had told me I needed flood insurance then you are stupid so bend over and take it, Idiot. Also for everyones information so you can say you were warned, This Will Happen Again and Again sooner or later.
luckydog
September 23rd, 2009
6:14 pm
FEMA: the flood insurance for the irresponsible.
nana
September 23rd, 2009
6:55 pm
I was under the impression that if you had health insurance at least within the last 30 days that pre-existing conditions were covered? At least that’s what we believed when my husband changed jobs and health insurance coverage wouldn’t be available for 90 days, that’s why we paid for COBRA. Perhaps I’m not remembering it right it was several years ago. I think that if you go without automobile insurance coverage even for one day you have to go to a sub standard carrier until you’ve had it for 6 months. I know this is off topic but there were already a lot of comments off topic so I thought I’d put in my 2 cents. BTW Heavenly creature’s comments don’t seem to heavenly! LOL
Pat
September 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm
It’s pretty telling that names like “drunkdawg” and “luckdog” are the ones saying idiotic things about flood insurance. Let me reiterate………there are many people who live well away from the established and studied floodways. Why would you think you would need flood insurance if the experts are telling you there is no need for it? Especially if you can’t pay for it. Since FEMA actually does a good job of studying these floodways (b/c they pay private consultants to do it), you don’t have to worry about the validity.
Let’s think about things, or research it before opening your mouth next time. Thanks for playing…..oh yeah…45-42!!!
I couldn’t resist.
Richard
September 23rd, 2009
8:38 pm
Pat, only a small mind takes to name calling. I’ll bet you support socialized medicine and Obama.
I don’t think my tax dollars should be used to subsidize those who didn’t have insurance. It was their choice to roll the dice, and they happened to crap out. When you buy a house, you should take into account all the expenses. If you can’t afford to cover the house, find another one.
Pat
September 23rd, 2009
9:22 pm
Well, Dick, you know what assuming does. You don’t see me claiming that you and Rush are best friends. Even though your comment leads me to believe that you guys both blow hot air.
It’s funny how people are concerned about their tax dollars all of a sudden. I didn’t see conservatives all up in arms when Reagan and both Bushes which are all conservative Repubs were growing the government. Leave those comments for other posts and stay on task before you make some idiotic, socialistic comments like the rest of the followers looking for a cause to be noticed.
You rolled the dice when you chose white or wheat this morning. You rolled the dice when you stopped at the red light. But no one else will complain if you ran the red light and somone plugged you, causing the tax dollar paid ambulance to pick you up. But then again, where was the tax-dollar paid study citing the statistical analysis of running a red light and making it safetly? Oh yeah, there isn’t one. I don’t see you complaining about your tax dollars getting the flood insurance studies done correctly, so you must think that the designated major flood areas are accurate, correct?
Which is why the tax-dollar sponsored FEMA offers to help is times of disaster. It’s one time you can count on your tax dollars to actually help when you need it. Flood studies are not done to quantify a disaster that is as abnormal as this one that just occured. AS I STATED BEFORE. Areas that were not supposed to be flooded were flooded.
I’m sure we should all build an Ark in our backyards too, just in case??? What about the houses well outside of the floodplains and high in elevation that got flooded? Those no risk homes had no reason to get flood insurance, but sometimes things can’t be helped. Not all things can be accounted for, especially with nature. Before you know it, you’d need so many policies, you would pay as much as a mortgage. Simply not feasible.
Richard
September 23rd, 2009
9:48 pm
No, my insurance will pay for my ambulance ride, as well as my hospital stay, treatment, and funeral should it be necessary.
I just know that I can be safe in the knowledge that should we get flooded out, I don’t have to depend on a handout from the government. I’m sure they’ll bail people out and play Robin Hood as usual.
Pat
September 23rd, 2009
9:56 pm
Don’t be so cavalier Dick. As I’m sure you have everything going for you, not all do. To continue this is pointless with you so I’m ending it. We’d need another post and this isn’t the forum for it. I really feel sorry for people like you and hope you find your light someday.
Tom B.
September 24th, 2009
8:18 am
No one is talking about the lack of responsibility of the numerous building departments that approved building permits. Hold those people and municipalities personally responsible!
Busted Link
September 24th, 2009
8:25 am
The FEMA link takes you to a page not found message, not to the document you describe.
Busted Link
September 24th, 2009
8:38 am
The correct address to the document is: http://www.fema.gov/cis/GA.pdf the GA must be capitalized in the address
AJ
September 24th, 2009
9:14 am
My home was not in a “flood Zone” but was flooded within inches of my ceiling. Total loss. I did not carry flood insurance, as others on my street didn’t and were also flooded. I keep trying to find a website or a phone number victims can call. I have no idea what to do, and I imagine most in my position don’t either. We are in shock, we are frightened, we are exhausted, heartbroken, sad, scared and some of us have lost loved ones in a most horrible way! We have lost our homes, and until you know what feels like, you can’t even imagine it. Please stop criticizing people who don’t live in flood zones that didn’t have flood insurance. That’s not fair nor does it even make sense to say those things. Most of us victims of this flood did not have it. My home was origianlly built in the early 60’s and has never flooded until now. Instead of using your effort to criticize, use it to figure what you might do to help somone. Flood insurance or not, this is a real disater in the areas hit by this. And I know first hand just how bad it really is.
Andy
September 24th, 2009
9:17 am
I had water damage to the carpet in my basement, but there was no flooding in my neighborhood in Roswell. I believe the damage was caused by the gutters that just couldn’t handle 20 inches of rain in 24 hours. They overflowed and the water either seeped into my basement from the outside, or, perhaps, from inside the wall. Would this be covered by my homeowners policy, or would the insurance company consider this “flood” damage, even though there was no flooding or standing water?
MRoss
September 24th, 2009
9:34 am
I am in a flood plan and I did not require flood insurance and they stated that 7% of houses in the area had to be flooded in order to collect. I was not able to buy flood insurance. I also know that the towns planning boards are not doing their jobs when giving builders permits to build in an area without the proper engineering of the run offs. I have the engineering reports that the water would not go more than 25 feet every 100 years and I am 80 feet from a 8 foot stream.
Ralph
September 24th, 2009
9:42 am
Hey Patsy – we’re ALREADY paying for the un-insured’s medical care. Look in every hospital emergency room in the country.
If you “want” to switch insurance carriers – why should the new carrier have to give you rates as if you weren’t an increased risk? Should we do that with car insurance companies when premiums get high for drunk drivers and those with wrecks and citiations? Who do you think actually pays for schemes, and why should it end up on the backs of those who actually pay for increased risk?
Losing insurance is a different matter and “assigned risk” pools is a better solution than just ignoring increased risk spreading that cost among everyone. If you have more money in your accounts than I, please spread the wealth.
Pat
September 24th, 2009
11:14 am
Hey Ralph-
Dont’ think you read any my posts, b/c your comments don’t address anything I’ve talked about. Please come back when you’ve read what I’ve typed. Until then, you won’t get a reasonable response.
Insurance Lady
October 1st, 2009
2:16 pm
I am an insurance agent. I have gotten numerous phone calls regarding buying flood insurance. The thing is I don’t think that people who are not in flood areas and who would normally not need flood insurance should purchase it. That is only my opinion. At the end of the day insurance is for the “what if”. After reading the majority of the thread, some people need to get a grip, their comments have nothing to do with the matter at hand.
Jane
October 1st, 2009
11:01 pm
Please explain why, when the new automotive uninsured motorist coverage was forced on people, there did not seem to be any explanation of what your increased premium was buying versus what you probably already have if you have 2+ cars in your household. Let me try to get this explained right. The new uninsured motorist policy potentially adds the value of the other person’s policy to yours but if they don’t have any insurance you get nothing because “your policy plus nothing equals your policy”. If you have several cars in your household, you have available in the event of an accident with an uninsured person, the SUM of all your policies uninsured motorist coverage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. This means that if you have $100,000 UE coverage on each of 2 vehicles you own, then you really have $200,000 coverage already. Why pay more for something that you may get $0 for in the event that the other person has no insurance? This seemed to be a big secret when they were jamming the new uninsured motorist coverage down our throats. Not only that but you could not opt out from this new coverage (and the associated fees you would be paying) UNLESS you opted out in writing. Why? I can set coverage levels for everything else on my policy via phone, why did this require the additional difficulty to get out from participating in unless I DID IT IN WRITING? If there was anything said by Oxendine or any one else in the insurance industry explaining this to the public, I did not hear it. It seemed like a nice package all gift wrapped for the insurance industry that was going to get to collect all those additional premiums for policy coverage that was forced on the public without a true explanation of what the free alternatives were if you already had multiple vehicles in your household in your name. Call your insurance company and ask about this.
Frederico
October 2nd, 2009
12:03 am
I had a problem with flood insurance when I was required by my mortgage company to carry flood coverage on the entire outstanding balance of my mortgage. I complained that a portion of the loan value was for the structure and a portion was for the land it sat on. Flood insurance DOES NOT COVER LAND. Therefore I was paying for flood insurance coverage on something that flood insurance does not cover… THE LAND. My complaint was rejected
George
October 2nd, 2009
12:18 am
Why is everyone up in arms about the prospect of socialized health care? You all have welcomed socialized education with open arms. I don’t have any kids but I’m expected to pay for your kids education. Why? PAY FOR YOUR OWN DAMN KIDS EDUCATION. As soon as socialized health care comes along, I’m going to quit my job and retire. With no income, you suckers will pay for my health care just like I’ve paid for your kids education for all these years. I can’t wait. Thank you jesus.
Todd Moore
October 4th, 2009
1:08 am
Don’t listen to Clark Howard on anything that pertains to insurance. He is more often than not wrong. As Mr. Oxendine states, flood insurance is available to everyone living in a community that participates in the Federal flood program. You do not have to have a “premium policy” as Mr. Oxendine states to get backup of sewer or drain coverage. It is an endorsement to any HO-3 or 5 policy. Yes you pay extra but very minimal. I never issue a policy without the coverage.
Licensed Insurance Agent (Unlike Clark Howard)
Robert
October 13th, 2009
2:31 pm
According to Cobb County, my home is located in a ‘newly deliniated’ 100 year (7.7 inch in 24 hours) flood plain. This requires me to pay flood insurance. On the day of the ‘big flood’, a neighbor and I recorded 19 inches of rain within 24 hours, which is over a 200 year flood, and my house, nor my property recieved flooding-just a lot of rain. I suppose I should have a conversation with Cobb engineers for that?
Will
November 4th, 2009
12:20 am
Thanks to Todd Moore chiming in. Good to have a professional weigh in with something helpful to dispel a few myths. I do find the general “sense of entitlement” from people a little funny. If you own property, and don’t own flood insurance, why would you think it’s someone else’s issue to make you whole after a flood? Argh. ( some more insurance tips )
tanygeo
June 3rd, 2010
5:41 am
The society is facing problems with such laws. This has to go legal and it’s needed to be sorted at the earlier. The initiative taken for the concern is very serious and need an attention of every one. This is the concern which exists in the society and needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as possible.
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samantha
June 7th, 2010
8:50 am
The society is facing problems with such laws. This has to go legal and it’s needed to be sorted at the earlier.
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