2021 Kentucky Flood Damage and Insurance Information
Winter Is Coming. Wait… Winter Is Here!
February 10, 2021
Floods in Kentucky
Floods have the potential to be extremely dangerous and damaging, as those of us in Kentucky have recently witnessed and/or experienced. The heavy rainfall (on top of already saturated ground) resulted in significant flooding in central and eastern sections of our Commonwealth. These Kentucky floods endangered lives, damaged personal property, and washed away roads. It brought much of the state to a standstill.
After wildfires, floods are the most widespread of all-natural disasters. Approximately 90% of all U.S. natural disasters (as officially declared by the President of the United States) include some degree of flooding. Within the last five years, all 50 states have experienced flooding or flash flooding.
What Counts As a Flood?
Will My Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
Know Your Insurance
Remember that it is absolutely crucial to know exactly what your insurance policy covers and what it does not cover, before you need it. Normally flood coverage is written as a separate policy, however it is extremely important to know what coverage you have, and get the coverage you think you may need in the future.
After the flood (or other disaster) we recommend you contact your insurance carrier to ask specifically about flood coverage or any other provisions that would assist in recovery if you experienced any damage.
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SPRING 2021 - DID FLOODING IMPACT YOU?
A total of 71 counties were officially declared a disaster after the flooding across the state this year in early 2021. Some of the hardest counties hit were in the eastern part of Kentucky: Estill, Lee, Owsley, Breathitt, Powell, Jackson, Clay and Johnson counties.
It is reported that Gov. Beshear is seeking federal aid to assist families and individuals with recovery after the recent flooding and is requesting assistance from FEMA for the state and the impacted individuals in Kentucky.
If you have suffered damages from a natural disaster like flooding, we recommend checking with your all your insurance carriers and with the resources below to determine what options may be available to you for disaster relief and help you with recovery.
Where to Turn for Help
RESOURCES YOU CAN USE
- Rent a place to live if your home is uninhabitable. If no rental units are available, you can apply for temporary housing. The help is for up to three months initially, with a maximum of 18 months.
- Repair damage or to replace belongings not covered by insurance.
- Help to pay other disaster-related expenses, such as funerals, medical and dental help, and child care.
- If a state of emergency is not granted or FEMA grants are not enough to cover your damage. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a low cost loan program for disaster assistance.
- You don’t have to own your home to qualify for an SBA disaster relief loan.
- The loans are for uninsured damage to your primary residence and the terms are for 30 years, with low interests rates.
