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Flood insurance facts and tips

April 9, 2019

Salem — As storms continue and local waterways rise, it is important to understand a few facts about flood.

  • Flooding is the most common natural disaster
  • One inch of water can cost $25,000 in damage
  • More than 20% of flood claims come from homes outside high-risk flood zones

Unfortunately, a typical homeowners policy does not cover flood damage, however:

  • Comprehensive coverage on a typical auto insurance policy will cover damage to your car caused by a flood.
  • Some manufactured home policies cover flood damage.
  • You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and a few private insurers, but there is a 30 day waiting period.

If your home or car is damaged by flood:

  • Make safety the top priority when surveying storm damage, avoid downed power lines and watch your step walking around storm debris.
  • Save all receipts you obtain from hiring professionals or purchasing supplies to make temporary repairs.
  • Record the highest water line on your car and DO NOT attempt to start a flooded vehicle until inspected by a professional.

For more information on flood insurance visit:
https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/flood.aspx or https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and www.dfr.oregon.gov.


​​​​​​​Media questions​

Jason Horton
503-798-6376
jason.a.horton​@dcbs.oregon.gov​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​