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Wednesday, May 14, 2003 Flood insurance may be worthwile investment for area homeowners With reports of flash flooding in Georgia from severe thunderstorms, Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine reminds homeowners that policies for mobile or manufactured homes may include coverage for flood damage, unlike standard home policies. Owners of traditional site-built homes can purchase federal flood coverage in addition to a standard homeowners policy. However, their community must participate in the federal National Flood Insurance Program. A community cannot be covered unless it has joined the program. Flood damage to automobiles is covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy. Commissioner Oxendine recommends that victims of recent storms take the following steps to ensure protection of their property: Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage. Do not delay. Try to make a list of all your property and valuables you believe were damaged or destroyed. Secure your property. For example, if your roof was damaged or blown off, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect your property from further damage. Oxendine said anyone with questions about homeowners or other types of insurance can call his Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll free at 1-800-656-2298. Phone lines are now open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone who wants to purchase flood insurance or who has questions about flood insurance should call his or her agent or the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-638-6620, or visit www.floodalert.fema.gov.
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