Agents Encouraged to Review Flood Risk in Minnesota

With the potential for serious flooding in the Red River, Minnesota and possibly Mississippi river valleys this spring, Governor Pawlenty is reminding insurance agents to talk with their homeowners customers about optional flood insurance before the snowmelt and spring rains. Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy.

“Minnesotans who have recovered from previous flooding know the value of flood insurance,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Now is the time to make sure homes and property are covered, before the snow melts and waters rise.”

Governor Pawlenty signed legislation in 2008 that requires insurance companies and agents to annually notify homeowners if their insurance policy does not include flood coverage. The required notice also reminds homeowners that they have the right to purchase flood insurance if they so chose.

The Governor proposed the legislation in response to the floods that hit southeastern Minnesota in 2007, where many homeowners were unaware that flood insurance was not included in their home insurance policy or believed that flood insurance was not available to them.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides information for consumers who are considering flood insurance to safeguard their homes at www.dnr.state.mn.us/floodsafety/index.html, or information is available from the National Flood Insurance Programs Web site at www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm.