The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Your Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Floods!
The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available in participating communities for all buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not. The following Sangamon County communities participate in the NFIP:
Auburn, Chatham, Divernon, Jerome, Leland Grove, Loami, Mechanicsburg, Pawnee, Pleasant Plains, Riverton, Rochester, Sherman, Spaulding, Springfield, Thayer, Williamsville, and Unincorporated Sangamon County.
Flood insurance covers direct loss caused by surface flooding which includes a river, stream, or lake overflowing its banks; and local drainage problems.
Structural Coverage - includes walls, floors, insulation, furnace and other items permanently attached to the structure.
Contents Coverage - may be purchased separately provided the contents are in an insurable building.
When Flood Insurance Is Required
Any direct federal or federally insured loans, grants, or mortgages for the purchase, construction, repair or improvement of buildings located in a special flood hazard area (SFHA), also known as the 100-year floodplain, require the purchase of flood insurance. This applies for funding through:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Farm Credit Administration
- Federal Housing Finance Board
- Small Business Administration
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Lenders insured by federal agencies (such as FDIC)
- Fannie Mae
- Freddie Mac
If you are taking out a mortgage, refinancing a mortgage, or receiving a grant or loan for a building located in a special flood hazard area, the agency or lender is mandated by law to require you to purchase a flood insurance policy. The policy must include structural coverage equal to the amount of the loan/financial assistance or the maximum amount available ($250,000 for a single family home), whichever is less. This requirement does not apply to buildings that are not in the SFHA, even though a portion of the property may be floodprone.
Buying Flood Insurance
Information on purchasing flood insurance is available from your insurance agent or at the National Flood Insurance Program website: www.fema.gov/nfip/infocon.shtm.
There is a 30-day waiting period from the time a policy is purchased until coverage begins, unless the insurance is required in connection with a loan or mortgage.
Owners of property in unincorporated Sangamon County are eligible for a 5% to 10% flood insurance premium discount. Tell your agent that Sangamon County has a Community Rating System (CRS) rating of 8!
For more information call the Springfield Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission at 535-3110 or e-mail sscrpc@sangamonil.gov.