Financial Preparedness Tips for Staying Afloat After a Flood

If you’ve ever experienced a flood, you know that the damage can be catastrophic. Floods are one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. Fortunately, Neptune Flood is here to help protect your finances while helping you recover from this disaster as quickly as possible. The following are twelve financial preparedness tips for staying afloat after a flood.

1. Get a Flood Insurance Cover in Advance

One of the best ways to financially protect yourself after a flood is to have a flood insurance policy. Neptune Flood offers comprehensive protection against all types of flooding. When you have Neptune Flood, you can relax knowing that your damages can be compensated without costing you out-of-pocket cash after your deductible, which you may not have after the disaster.

2. Have a Track Records of Your Finance or Property Worth

If your property or assets get damaged in the process of a flood, it helps to have evidence that proves they are worth what you claim when applying for Neptune Flood. Thus, it is advisable to keep receipts and take photos of your belongings before a disaster strikes so that you can make an accurate estimate of how much insurance compensation is owed to you.

3. Be Sure to Protect Your Samples

Whenever possible, do not throw away items that were destroyed by flooding. These items may be used as proof of their value during claims processing with Neptune Flood. To avoid being underinsured after the loss has occurred, it’s wise to keep a detailed inventory of all your valuable items, including photos and receipts.

4. Only Use Credible Suppliers or Service Providers

When contracting for services to clean up your property or help with the repairs after flood damage, be sure to use a credible and licensed supplier. This will protect you from being scammed by people looking to take advantage of your vulnerable state after a flood, which may lead to financial losses. It is also crucial that you only work with insured contractors and have a good reputation.

5. Secure and Renovate in Advance

Installing flood barriers and protections in your home can be a costly affair, but it is worth it. These measures help you avoid future losses during floods. Keep in mind that many of these prevention methods qualify for tax deductions, so it’s worth checking with your tax advisor to find out if any apply.

6. Avoid Hazardous Chemicals

During a flood, chemicals in your home may get into the floodwaters and spread further across your property, whose impacts can be devastating. Chemical contamination during flooding may not only increase your medical financial expenses if you get exposed but can also corrode your expensive valuables. Consequently, be sure to store or dispose of hazardous waste properly before a disaster strikes.

7. Have Relevant Emergency Contacts

Be sure to have accurate contacts of your electricity, gas, telephone, water, and Neptune Flood. In an emergency, you will be able to reach out for help and get assistance quickly. This can save you from unnecessary financial losses that you could incur if the emergency drags on without proper attention. Minimizing chances of damages reduce financial losses after flooding that can help you stay financially afloat.

8. Identify and Put Measures to Protect Valuables

As much as it’s difficult to put a price on most of your belongings, you should consider the value that they have when looking for flood insurance. If an item is treasured and irreplaceable, it would be wise to take preventive measures before flooding occurs. For instance, keep these items in waterproof containers or seal them with special tapes to make them watertight. You can also consider moving these items to higher ground in your house if disaster strikes.

9. Have a Backup Plan

Despite it being human nature not wanting to prepare for the worst, preparing a backup plan in case a disaster strike is wise. Your backup plan can include ways you may get financial assistance and how to survive despite the losses you incur after floods. Fortunately, suppose you cannot continue with your job duties due to the damages that a flood has caused. In that case, knowing which organizations can offer some sort of financial assistance will be helpful to have on hand. This can help tide you as you adjust to taking complete control of your financial matters.

10. Understand Your Risks

Do you live in a high-risk area? Neptune Flood recommends finding out the likelihood of floods occurring near your home. Knowing this is important as it will help you understand what to expect and how much coverage you need for a Neptune Flood insurance policy. Besides, if you already have Neptune Flood insurance, understanding your risks can help determine whether the level of coverage is adequate for your needs.

11. Review Your Insurance Coverage Regularly

Be sure to review your insurance policy regularly and adjust if necessary. Changes in your life, such as those relating to your family or property, can significantly affect the level of insurance coverage you need. Therefore, you should consider reviewing your coverages at the renewal stage or when there are new updates. As a rule of thumb, it is always advisable to have insurance equal to or more than the value of your home and its contents to help you stay financially afloat when disaster strikes.

12. Always Have a Flood Plan

Lastly, Neptune Flood recommends that you always have a plan in place to help you stay afloat and handle financial matters during floods. The plan should include how to get in touch with your insurer and your family members or friends who may be of help during the crisis.

It is also vital that this plan includes an emergency contact list and a list of all your valuable items and where they are stored. Additionally, the plan should comprise a detailed map of your home utilities source location, such as electricity, to allow ease of shutting off power. Such a plan can go a long way to prevent financial losses or help you stay financially afloat.

Conclusion

After a flood, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure you and your family are safe, both physically and financially. It is also vital to take the time to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. Neptune Flood can help you through this challenging time by providing financial assistance for rebuilding and repairing your home. If you have been affected by a flood or live in a flood-prone area, don’t hesitate to contact Neptune Flood today for more information about our policies and how we can help waterproof your life.