The Importance Of Flood Insurance

By Jaimie Schmitz
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Northeast Nebraska isn’t new to flooding and other natural disasters. Although most fall seasons are dry, you still need to be prepared for the unexpected.

The flooding that happened in Louisiana and the flooding that is currently happening in Cedar Rapid Iowa is a good reminder to be prepared for what ever natural disaster that may come. And part of being prepared, is making sure your insurance covers those disasters.

When it flooded in Neligh in 2010, there was only so much that sandbags could do to protect the park and other buildings. But insurance could help the rest. 

It’s not a fun topic for many people to talk about, but insurance agent Dane Neilson explains the need to discuss it, and be ready for it.  “Even your people in Iowa that weren’t ready for this flood to come up, if they didn’t have a flood policy purchased before 30 days of the flood, they would have no coverage for any damage done on their property.”

In many cases, questions are being asked after it is too late. That’s why Neilson likes to make sure that his job is done thoroughly. 

“And that is why us as agents have to explain that to you so you understand those limits, those underinsured limits,” Neilson explained. 

And just like the 2010 flood, Neilson had some more people wonder what else they could have done to be protected.

“You know when we have a 500 year flood when the flood waters do come up, then people say well why didn’t you tell me about flood insurance,” he explained.  “It’s one of those things that us as agents, it depends on where they are located at. If you’re up on the hill, you don’t really need flood insurance. But, if you’re down along the river. They say it’s a good idea to have flood insurance.”