We agree with the National Flood Insurance Program—everyone should have flood insurance, especially if you’re in an area that has a high flood risk. You might even be required to have it if you’re at high risk.

Here’s why the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) recommends flood insurance to everyone:

The situations that cause flooding—heavy rain, melting snow, severe coastal weather—can happen anywhere. In fact, one in five flood insurance claims comes from someone in a low—or medium-risk area.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is delivered to the public by a network of approximately 60 insurance companies and the NFIP Direct.

Floods can happen anywhere — just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.

The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, and having this coverage helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede. The NFIP also encourages communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that help mitigate the effects of flooding.

Flood insurance is available to anyone living in one of the 23,000 participating NFIP communities. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance.

Flood insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Learn more about why flood insurance is a good value for your home or business.