03 Sep San Jose California Flood Insurance
San Jose, California is known far and wide as a large, diverse, and high-tech city. Tens of thousands of its residents are employed in the technology sector, which produces more patents than any other city in the United States. Such an innovative atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a modern and convenient lifestyle, filled with high-tech solutions to many of life’s day-to-day conundrums. The funny thing about technologically though, is that it can’t always contain Mother Nature. This is one reason why property owners in San Jose need to consider the low-tech option of purchasing flood insurance for their home or business.
The Guadalupe River, Canoas Creek, and Los Gatos Creek are all potential sources of flood waters for the city of San Jose. Years of city planning and engineering have resulted in a fairly sophisticated array of culverts and levees to protect city residents and their property, but even they cannot eliminate the flood risk entirely. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated several sections of San Jose located along these bodies of water as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).
A SFHA is a plot of land found to have a one-in-four chance of flooding at least once during a thirty year period. While a twenty-five percent chance of flooding may not seem statistically significant to some, it is important to remember what could happen if that twenty-five percent chance did occur. Flood-related damages can easily cost property owners hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to repair; a cost that most could not pay out-of-pocket. As standard homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover flood damages, it is important for San Jose residents to protect themselves against these high damage-related costs with a flood insurance policy.
San Jose residents can choose between two insurance programs to select their policy. The first is a government-backed program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Policies are offered through local, regional, and national insurance carriers; and policy premiums can be subsidized if the property owner takes appropriate flood mitigation steps. The second is a privately underwritten program known as the National Catastrophe Flood Insurance Program (NCIP.) The NCIP is offered in only a select number of states, including California. This program is touted as having lower premiums and more comprehensive coverage levels.
Technology is a great and wonderful thing that makes many lives easier, and San Jose has a lot to offer in that area. But every once in awhile, severe weather strikes and its side effects circumvent any technology meant to contain them. Flood insurance policies are certainly not new or cutting edge, but they provide a timeless layer of financial security that will protect home and business owners for years to come. Residents of San Jose are fortunate to have several options for flood insurance policies available for their consideration. Taking the time to consider those options and selecting a policy now will provide long-term peace of mind and financial security. Contact us now for more information about the San Jose California flood insurance.
All information is general in nature and is intended to provide guidance only. It is up to you to request specific coverage options, the agency and agent do not bear this responsibility. Always read the policy if there is a questions about coverage or a claim. If any information herein should conflict with your actual policy’s specific language, the policy language will be controlling.
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