More than 12 inches of rain inundated homes and left cars stranded in parts of South Florida, leaving some homeowners facing another costly challenge: paying for repairs without flood insurance.
Here's what to know
The Ibis community in West Palm Beach suffered particularly severe flooding last week, with submerged streets and dozens of vehicles left stranded, according to WPTV. Some residents elsewhere in South Florida and the Treasure Coast had to evacuate because of the downpour.
Local resident Lee had expected her move west to eliminate the need to pay for flood insurance. Much of Ibis is outside federally designated high-risk flood zones, and some residents have no flood coverage.
"Who thought?" she said. "We moved west so we didn't have to get the flood insurance."
Visibility was so poor in the heavy rain that Lee could no longer see the ground.
More background
Rising floodwaters are generally an exception to the many kinds of damage homeowners insurance may cover, according to insurance attorney Aaron Bass.
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"There's no loopholes to get flood coverage from your regular homeowner's insurance policy," Bass told WPTV. "It just doesn't exist."
Bass recommended buying a flood policy regardless of a lender's requirements. A home outside a designated high-risk zone is not necessarily safe from flooding.
The cost of coverage varies depending on a home's characteristics, location, and the coverage chosen.
What can be done?
For homeowners already dealing with flood damage, WPTV recommended documenting the destruction with photographs and video, saving receipts, and asking local emergency management officials what help is available.
Bass also suggested checking with FEMA and charities providing disaster relief.
Residents can visit DisasterAssistance.gov to check availability. FEMA eligibility depends on several factors, including whether the area has received authorization for federal disaster aid, according to WPTV.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers disaster loans to eligible homeowners and renters, though that money must be repaid.
Samaritan's Purse senior program manager Jacob Rutz told WPTV that the group's volunteers are assisting people affected by disasters throughout the Southeast, including tarping roofs to prevent water from entering homes.
Rutz also recommended using 211 to find community assistance programs. Homeowners exploring future coverage can visit FloodSmart.gov for information on the National Flood Insurance Program, as WPTV noted.
"That $300, $400, $500 a year for a premium for a federal flood insurance policy is small potatoes compared to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to your home," Bass said.
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners elsewhere in Florida are also dealing with flood damage, insurance gaps, and tough recovery decisions.
• Homeowners have faced gaps in flood coverage as hurricane season reaches its peak.
• In Fort Lauderdale, homeowners are skipping millions in aid over tax, code, and permit fears.
• A Dania Beach condo president said drivers roaring through floodwaters worsened a $6 million loss.
• In Indiantown, residents demanded answers after flooding from four inches of rain.
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