Sacramento Flood Insurance FAQs

Will my homeowners insurance policy cover me from a flood?

Doesn't federal disaster assistance pay for my damages if my property is flooded?

No. Although federal disaster assistance may give you a loan to help cover damages from a flood, you must pay back any money they give you with interest. Flood insurance is compensation for damages that you never have to pay back.

If I live in a low-risk flood zone, why would I need flood insurance?

If you live in a low-risk zone it does not mean that you are entirely safe from flooding. Studies show that 30% of the claims paid out by flood insurance companies actually occur in low-risk zones.

My house has never flooded, why would I need flood insurance?

Although your house may not have flooded in the recent past, it could still flood in the future. Flooding often occurs in areas that it has not happened in before. When this happens it surprises the residents who are generally unprepared and ultimately suffer significant financial losses because of it. It is a good idea to purchase flood insurance so that in the event of a flood, you will be protected from tremendous loss and hardship.

Why am I being forced to buy flood insurance?

If you live in many parts of Sacramento, flood insurance will soon be mandatory. When Sacramento is rezoned in December 2008, many parts of the area will be placed in high-risk zones and anyone who has received a federal or federally backed loan for property in one of these high-risk zones in Sacramento will be forced to purchase flood insurance (at the higher rate if they do not attain it prior to the rezoning at the Preferred Risk Rate)

Can I get any discounts if I live in a low-to-moderate risk area?

If you live in a low-to-moderate sirk area you probably qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy. The Preferred Risk Policy is designed for properties in low-to-moderate risk areas and the rates are substantially lower than those for properties in high-risk areas.

Can I still purchase flood insurance even if I don't live in a high-risk flood zone?

Yes. Flood insurance is highly recommended for all home owners, regardless of whether or not they live in a high-risk zone. Flood insurance is also cheaper in a low or moderate risk zone, and you can get the same coverages for a fraction of the cost!

How do you know that Sacramento Flood Insurance has the lowest rates available?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has an arrangement with private companies to sell and service insurance policies, but NFIP sets the Sacramento flood insurance rates for these policies and they are the same for all private insurance companies.

Who can I talk to if I have questions about flood insurance or I want to buy a flood insurance policy?

Stonecrest Insurance Services is a licensed insurance agency and any of our friendly, licensed agents would be happy to answer any and all questions you have abou flood insurance or provide quotes and policies right over the phone. Receive an instant quote.

What are flood zones?

Flood Zones are areas of land that are identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) according to what the risk of flooding is in that area. Every piece of property is in a flood zone, the difference between zones is whether they are low, moderate or high risk areas.

What is a Preferred Risk Policy?

A Preferred Risk Policy is a flood insurance policy that provides various combinations of coverage for both buildings and contents that are located in low-to-moderate risk areas or zones. These policies can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of policies written in high risk areas and they still provide the same coverage.

How much will a Natomas flood insurance policy cost me?

Our licensed agents are available to give quotes both on the internet and over the phone and would be happy to provide you with a quote for your particular property. Get Instant Flood Insurance Quote Now

How do I pay for my flood insurance?

At Stonecrest Insurance Services, we offer several options for purchasing flood insurance through our agency. We accept: cash, credit card, check card, check or money orders.

Will my policy go into effect as soon as I purchase it?

In most cases there is a 30 day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes active. The exceptions to this rule are: If this is a renewal policy without a lapse in coverage, if this is a policy on a new loan that just closed, or if there is a map revision that changes the zone the property is in from non-Special Flood Hazard Area(low-to-moderate risk) to Special Flood Hazard Area(High Risk).

Once I have decided that I want a flood insurance policy, what do I need to do to get one?

At Stonecrest Insurance Services we can give a quote and complete a Sacramento flood insurance policy right over the phone in less than 20 minutes.

Can I transfer my policy to someone else if I sell my house?

Yes. If you choose to sell your house and your have purchased a flood insurance policy, you can transfer it into the name of the new owner by simply contacting your agent. The new policy owner will retain the grandfathered lower rate if you purchased your Preferred Risk policy before the rezoning to high risk has been finalized. This can give you a competitive edge in the tough housing market right now because the savings you are passing on could potentially be as much as $1000 per year. This would be an attractive added bonus to any potential home buyer.