Flood Insurance - the How's and Why's
Most insurance policies do not cover flood damage. To benefit our citizens, the County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program makes federally-backed flood insurance available for eligible buildings, whether they are in the floodplain or not. The County's participation in the
Community Rating System brings many benefits to County residents. This includes flood insurance premium savings. Flood insurance covers losses caused by flooding and local drainage problems. See below for more information. It is important to note that there is a 30 day waiting period after obtaining flood insurance before the policy takes effect. Act now to make sure you're covered in time!
Flood insurance coverage. This information is provided from
FEMA's FloodSmart Program. Talk to your licensed insurance agent about what is and isn't covered by your policy. Your flood-damaged contents are not covered by a building/structure flood policy. To cover your belongings or contents within a building, you'll need to add contents coverage. There is always a separate deductible for both policies.
Examples of building coverage:
- electrical and plumbing systems
- furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps and sump pumps
- refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances
- permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
- window blinds
- foundation walls, anchorage systems and staircases
- detached garage
Examples of contents coverage:
- personal belongings such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
- curtains
- portable and window air conditioners (easily moved or relocated)
- portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
- carpets not included in building coverage (carpet installed over wood floors, etc.)
- washers and dryers
- certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
Examples of Items not covered for building or personal property:
- damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner or which are not attributable to the flood
- damage caused by earth movement, even if the earth movement is caused by flood
- additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
- loss of use or access to the insured property
- financial losses caused by business interruption
- property and belongings outside of an insured building such as trees, septic systems, decks, fences, etc.
- currency, precious metals and valuable papers such as stock certificates
Contact our office, Marion County Planning, at (503) 588-5038 or
planning@co.marion.or.us for more information on flood-related issues. Staff can tell you if a property is in a flood hazard area, regulations for development and flood insurance data.
Other resources for flood insurance information
FEMA Flood Insurance Information
"Purchasing Flood Insurance". A guide on flood insurance requirements and procedures. It includes obtaining insurance if your property is not in a designated flood area and information the Planning Division provides.
"Information About Flood Insurance". How flood insurance works, mandatory purchase requirements, and purchasing flood insurance when your property is not in a floodplain.
"Your homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods..."
"Top Ten Facts for Consumers"
"The Benefits of Flood Insurance Versus Disaster Assistance"
