Willows California Flood Insurance

Located in picturesque northern California, the city of Willows is the county seat of Glenn County. Approximately six thousand people call Willows home, a figure that has largely remained unchanged over the last decade. A majority of the city is surrounded by the fields of the thriving agriculture scene, but mountains are also visible in the distance and provide a scenic backdrop. Willows boasts many fine features, but business and homeowners do need to be aware of the flood risks in Willows so that they may take the appropriate actions to financially protect themselves.

The main flood concern in Willows occurs in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) located along the Glenn Colusa Canal. This SFHA is classified as Zone AH and extends approximately three to four blocks on either side of the canal. In the event that flooding would occur, the zone designation indicates that the average flood waters would be one to three feet in depth, and that the “flood” would actually be an issue of ponding water rather than swiftly flowing water.

Living in an SFHA classified as Zone AH means two things to property owners in Willows, CA. First, the city government must take steps to reduce the risk of flooding through building codes, zoning laws, and even structural changes to levees and floodwalls. Second, all property owners in this SFHA are required to carry flood insurance on their property. One piece of good news is that property owners may qualify for lower rates if their city government takes appropriate flood mitigation steps.

Home and business owners looking to purchase flood insurance for their property in Willows, CA have two options. The first is obtaining a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This is a government-backed program, and has traditionally been the only flood insurance program available on the market. Flood rates are based upon zone and SFHA status, and can be lowered if certain flood mitigation steps are taken by the property owner. Examples of this mitigation would include constructing the house on risers, or raising air conditioning or heating units above flood level.

The second flood insurance option for Willows property owners is purchasing a policy through the National Catastrophe Flood Insurance Program (NCIP). The NCIP is underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London and is offered through private insurance agencies. The NCIP is a relatively new option and is currently available in only a handful of states, including California. The NCIP typically offers lower premiums, higher coverage amounts, and faster policy activation time than the NFIP.

Residents of Willows, California are fortunate to have multiple options available for purchasing flood insurance. To ensure proper and adequate protection from the high cost of flood damages, property owners should spend time reviewing policy coverages, rates, and requirements to determine which policy best fits their needs. While the chance of floods occurring in a SFHA are only 1 in 4 during a 30 year period, preparing now by purchasing adequate coverage will provide peace of mind in the event that such a flood did occur. Contact us now for more information about Willows 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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