Depending on a policy’s terms and conditions, it may also afford protection from:

• Abnormally large waves
• Mudflows and mudslides
• Other atypical water patterns

Are Worcester, MA Residents Eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This is a program that, among other things, helps property owners in flood-prone regions obtain flood coverage at affordable rates.

In order to purchase coverage through NFIP, property owners must be within a participating community. To find out if their property in Worcester, MA qualifies for a subsidized policy, property owners should contact an insurance agent in the city. FEMA is constantly updating their flood maps, and the list of participating communities sometimes changes. An insurance agent can look up the most recent maps and current list of participating communities to see whether a property owner can take advantage of this program.

Can Federal Disaster Assistance Be Applied to Flood Recovery Costs?

If federal disaster assistance is made available, property owners can use the funds to recover from a flood.

Property owners should rely on this program as a substitute for purchasing flood coverage, though. For, federal disaster assistance is only awarded when the president declares a flood a national disaster. Most floods never achieve this status. Additionally, whenever assistance is available, it’s only in the form of an interest-free loan. All borrowed funds must eventually be paid back.

Do Flood Policies Protect Against Plumbing Problems?

Flood policies typically don’t provide protection against leaky or clogged pipes. Policies may cover plumbing backups that are caused by excess rainwater or snowmelt, but coverage for actual plumbing issues usually has to be purchased through a homeowners or commercial property policy. Some policies include water and sewer backup coverage as a standard protection, while others make this available as an optional add-on.

Do Flood Policies Cover Personal Belongings?

In general, flood policies do cover personal belongings that are stored on an insured property. As with any insurance coverage, though, policies may have restrictions, limits, or exclusions. Policyholders should carefully review their flood policy’s paperwork to make sure all of their belongings are protected.

How Can Residents and Businesses in Worcester, MA Get Flood Coverage?

For help finding flood insurance, residents and businesses in Worcester, MA should contact an independent insurance agent who serves the city. Most agents who are licensed in Massachusetts will help people or businesses obtain a flood policy. An independent insurance agent will be able to help find the best available policy, regardless of whether it’s offered through the NFIP or on the private insurance market.