When your county has been declared a disaster area by your governor?

Question

The IL governor has declared my county a disaster area due to the recent rain and flooding. I have homeowners insurance, but ofcourse I dont have flood insurance, as I am not located in a flood plain. I did take in 2 feet of water and sewage back up, and I had probably $10,000 worth of appliances in my basement that took water and some are either totally broken or they are not working right. When in a declared disaster area, does the state offer grants to help under insured citizens, or does the state offer grants to the local city govt only, to assist in clean up efforts, etc.? Anyone know how that works and can you provide resources to me to find out more information? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Actually, you CAN buy flood insurance, even if you're not in a 100 year flood plain. You just chose not to.

Normally, the state is going to offer grants to the governmental entities to help public cleanups. The FEDERAL money that pays for floods is called . . . flood insurance (as it's ALL written through the federal government, NOT insurance companies).

People who are uninsured are just that - uninsured. If the feds bailed out everyone who didn't think they were at risk for whatever (flood, fire, etc), no one would ever bother to buy their own insurance.

Sorry, you're on your own for this.

You MIGHT have "backup of sewers and drains" coverage on your homeowners policy - it's an option, and you might have purchased it. Or you might not have bought that coverage, either. Check with your agent.

Answer 2

You did not have a flood. A flood is a natural body of water (river, lake, etc.) overflowing it's usual bounds. If you had a sewer backup, it's not a flood. That is covered under homeowners insurance, usually as an extra cost endorsement. Did you buy it?

"Disaster area" status might qualify you for a low-interest loan from the state. Call the office of your Illinois State Representative. They should be able to help you figure out who to call for your situation. Good luck.

Answer 3

If your area has been declared a Federal Disaster Area then you will qualify for FEMA since you have no flood insurance. FEMA will give you up to $100,000 depending on what it will take to provide a minimum life style. They will not pay for boats, or multiple televisions, they will pay for washers and dryers and major home appliances. They won't pay to replace expensive carpets or hardwood floors but they will give you money to buy something modest. You might also qualify for low interest loans to get your property restored.