When It Comes to Flooding, Low Risk Is Not No Risk


Are you aware that flood zone maps are being redrawn for Dare County? Today I would like to go over a few key things you should consider as these changes are made.

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Have you heard? Dare County flood maps are being redrawn in the coming six months.

These changes will impact insurance requirements for residents, but it is important to realize that if these newly drawn zones indicate your property is at low risk of flooding, it does not mean that there is no risk.

Homeowners using borrowed money to purchase a home within a flood zone, which are labeled on zone maps as AE or VE, will be required to take out flood insurance. But flood insurance is not a requirement for cash buyers or for those purchasing within zone X.

Many hope that recently collected storm and flooding data will lower insurance premiums once mapping is approved, but in the meantime, Dare County’s “Know Your Zone” pamphlet may serve as a helpful guide for area homeowners.

As stated on the cover of the Dare County “Know Your Zone” pamphlet, “Low risk is not no risk.” Especially given that for every inch of water, homeowners can expect about $21,000 worth of damage.

If you would like a copy of this pamphlet, I would be happy to provide you with one. So please reach out to obtain yours. You can also check out the information that's available on www.obxfloodmaps.com.
For every inch of water, homeowners can expect about $21,000 worth of damage.
Going back to how these changes will impact Dare County, it is important to note that a large portion of our elevated areas currently zoned in AE is set to be mapped in X. Yet, it takes very little water for massive damage to occur. So be mindful that while premiums may be decreasing, the risks associated with flooding are not. 

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.