When floodwaters recede, the real work begins—making your home safe, livable, and code-compliant again. Flood insurance is designed to fund that recovery, from debris removal and drying to rebuilding and even certain mitigation upgrades. Below is what coverage typically provides, how the claims process works, and how to use your policy wisely so you can rebuild stronger. What Flood Insurance Typically Covers After a Flood Flood insurance (such as an NFIP policy sold through participating insurers) can help pay for: Structural repairs: Damage to walls, floors, built-ins, and other parts of the insured building (up to your building coverage limit). Personal property: Furniture, clothing, appliances, and other belongings inside the home (up to your contents limit). Coverage is usually on actual cash value (ACV) for contents; some building items may qualify for replacement cost if eligibility criteria are met. Debris removal & cleanup: The reasonable cost to remove flood-damaged covered property and flood-borne debris. Temporary measures: Reasonable, necessary steps to protect the property from further damage (e.g., tarps, safe dry-out). Keep all receipts. Important limits to know (NFIP): Maximum residential building coverage is typically $250,000 and contents $100,000 under the National Flood Insurance Program; some owners purchase excess/private flood to go higher. The Claims Process: What To Do (Step-by-Step) Report your loss immediately. Contact your insurer/agent to open a claim; you’ll be assigned an adjuster. Document everything. Before cleanup, photograph/video all rooms, water lines, and damaged items; keep a room-by-room inventory with model/serial numbers when possible. Save all receipts. Start safe cleanup. Remove standing water, ventilate and dry, and dispose of hazardous debris while keeping samples of materials when advised. Debris removal of covered property is generally insurable—retain invoices. Meet the adjuster. Walk through damage; provide your documentation. Ask about building vs. contents coverage and any potential ICC eligibility. Submit Proof of Loss if required. Follow your insurer’s instructions for forms, deadlines, and supplemental claims if hidden damage is later discovered. Coordinate permits & code compliance. If your community declares substantial damage, speak with the local floodplain administrator about ICC steps before rebuilding. Smart Ways to Use Your Policy When Rebuilding Prioritize health & safety: Electrical systems, HVAC, and contaminated materials often need replacement first to avoid hazards and mold growth. Mitigate during repairs: If eligible for ICC, elevate utilities and living areas, use flood-resistant materials, and consider relocating critical systems above projected flood levels. Track code-driven costs separately: ICC is earmarked for compliance measures; keeping separate estimates/invoices can speed reimbursement. Prevent contractor fraud: Get multiple written bids, verify licensing, avoid large upfront payments, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. (Unfortunately, post-disaster scams are common.) Timing Myths & Realities (So You’re Secure Next Time) There’s usually a 30-day waiting period before a new NFIP policy takes effect—don’t wait for a storm to buy coverage. There are specific exceptions (e.g., certain loan transactions, post-wildfire flooding on federal land, and others). Ask your agent which apply to you. Quick Checklist: Documents & Details to Save Policy number and insurer contact Photos/videos (wide and close-ups), dated Itemized list of damaged contents with values Receipts for: pumps, fans/dehumidifiers, tarps, debris removal, protective materials, temporary lodging Contractor estimates and permits (keep ICC-related costs distinct) agents.floodsmart.govFloodsmart FAQs Does flood insurance cover temporary housing? NFIP policies do not include Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage; check whether your homeowners policy or disaster assistance may help. (Coverage varies; verify with your carrier.) Can I get more than $250,000 for the building? NFIP limits for a single-family dwelling are typically $250,000 (building) and $100,000 (contents). Some insurers offer excess/private flood to extend limits. What if my HOA/condo building floods? Unit owners may need their own contents/walls-in coverage; the association’s master policy does not automatically cover your belongings or interior finishes. Review both policies to avoid gaps. Bottom Line Flood insurance is the most reliable way to fund recovery after a major flood. It pays for structural repairs, covered contents, cleanup, and—when required—code-compliant mitigation through ICC (up to $30,000) so you can rebuild stronger. The key is acting fast, documenting thoroughly, and coordinating early with your insurer, contractor, and local officials. At Alcock Insurance, we are committed to offering our clients a wide range of comprehensive and affordable insurance policies. We go above and beyond to ensure that we meet your unique needs with tailored solutions. To find out more about how we can assist you, please reach out to our agency at (252) 353-1700 or CLICK HERE to request a free, no-obligation quote. Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, it is important to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional. They can offer expert advice tailored to your individual situation and help you make well-informed decisions about your insurance coverage.

Your credit-based insurance score can influence what you pay for homeowners insurance in many states. It isn’t the same as your traditional credit score, but it’s built from parts of your credit history to help insurers predict the likelihood of future claims. Understanding how this works—and what you can do about it—can lower your costs without sacrificing coverage. Quick Takeaways In most states, insurers may use a credit-based insurance score alongside other factors to set your premium; some states ban or limit this practice. Insurance credit checks are typically soft inquiries and don’t affect your credit score. If your credit information leads to an adverse action (e.g., higher premium, denial), you must receive a notice with the key reasons and who supplied the data—so you can correct errors. What Is a Credit-Based Insurance Score (CBIS)? A CBIS uses elements of your credit report (payment history, amounts owed, length of history, new credit, and credit mix) to estimate future insurance losses. It is not your FICO®/VantageScore®, and it cannot use personal traits like race, income, age, or marital status. Typical weights (example from FICO used by NAIC): Payment history (~40%) Outstanding debt (~30%) Length of credit history (~15%) New credit (~10%) Credit mix (~5%) Excluded: race, gender, income, employment, residence location, interest rates, and certain inquiry types. How Insurers Use Credit—And Where They Can’t Insurers generally use CBIS in underwriting (eligibility) and rating (price), combined with other factors like location, construction, claims history, and safety features. States commonly forbid using credit as the sole reason to raise rates, cancel, or deny coverage. State rules vary: some states ban or limit credit in homeowners pricing (e.g., California, Maryland, Massachusetts), while others impose narrower restrictions (e.g., limits on using lack of credit history). Always check your state DOI. Will Getting Quotes Hurt My Credit? No. Insurance quote checks are usually soft inquiries, which appear on your report but do not impact your credit scores. (Hard inquiries—like applying for a loan—can affect scores temporarily.) If Your Credit Hurts Your Rate: Your Rights If an insurer takes an adverse action based in whole or part on your credit (such as charging more, reducing coverage, or denying a policy), federal law requires a notice that includes: The specific reasons for the action or key factors affecting your score The name and contact of the credit bureau that supplied the report Your right to obtain a free copy to review and dispute inaccuracies Keep the notice; correcting errors can lower future premiums. OCINC DOI 7 Practical Ways to Improve Your Premium (Credit & Non-Credit) Pay on time, every time. Payment history is the biggest CBIS driver. Set autopay or reminders. Lower revolving balances. High utilization can depress your score; aim to keep balances well below limits. Limit new credit. Many new accounts in a short period can signal risk. Check reports annually & after adverse action. Use AnnualCreditReport.com to spot and dispute errors. Ask for a re-rating after “extraordinary life circumstances.” Many insurers will reconsider if you faced events like disaster, job loss, or serious illness. Strengthen non-credit factors: add monitored alarms, smoke detectors, water-leak sensors, and maintain the roof—common rating considerations that can earn discounts. FAQ Is credit the only thing that determines my rate? No. It’s one factor among many (home characteristics, claims history, local risk, selected coverages/deductibles). States often restrict how credit may be used. Can an insurer refuse to sell me a policy just because of my credit? Rules vary, but many states prohibit using credit as the sole reason to deny or cancel. Check your state DOI for specifics. Where is credit use banned or limited for homeowners? Policies and statutes change, but California, Maryland, and Massachusetts are frequently cited as limiting or banning credit use for homeowners pricing; others impose narrower restrictions. Verify current rules with your state DOI. Bottom Line In many states, your credit-based insurance score matters for homeowners premiums —but it’s not destiny. Keep reports clean, ask for re-rating after hardships, and optimize non-credit factors (security, roof, mitigation). And always compare quotes and consult your state insurance department if something seems off. With a little maintenance—on both your home and your credit—you can protect your property and your wallet. At Alcock Insurance, we are committed to offering our clients a wide range of comprehensive and affordable insurance policies. We go above and beyond to ensure that we meet your unique needs with tailored solutions. To find out more about how we can assist you, please reach out to our agency at (252) 353-1700 or CLICK HERE to request a free, no-obligation quote. Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, it is important to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional. They can offer expert advice tailored to your individual situation and help you make well-informed decisions about your insurance coverage.

Auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right policy blends required protections (to satisfy state law and lenders) with optional coverages (to protect your car and your wallet). Use this guide to understand each coverage, how it works, and how to choose smart limits. The Core Coverages (Most Common) 1.Liability Insurance (Usually Required by Law) Bodily Injury (BI): Pays others’ medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs when you’re at fault. Property Damage (PD): Pays to repair others’ property (their car, a fence, a building). Limits: Often shown as per person / per accident / property (e.g., 100/300/100 = $100k BI per person, $300k BI per accident, $100k PD). Tip: State minimums are usually too low. Choose higher limits (and consider an umbrella policy) if you have savings, a home, or higher income. 2.Collision Pays to repair/replace your car after a crash with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. You choose a deductible (the amount you pay first). Higher deductibles → lower premiums. 3.Comprehensive (“Other Than Collision”) Covers non-crash losses: theft, vandalism, hail, flood, fire, falling objects, glass, and animal impacts. Also subject to a deductible (you can often select a $0 glass deductible by endorsement). 4.Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance (UM) or too little insurance (UIM). Can cover medical bills (and, in some states, property damage). Highly recommended. 5.Medical Payments (MedPay) / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) MedPay: Pays medical bills for you and passengers, regardless of fault. PIP: Broader than MedPay in “no-fault” states—may include medical bills, lost wages, and essential services. Valuable Optional Coverages (Often Overlooked) Gap Insurance: If your car is totaled and the loan/lease balance exceeds the car’s actual cash value (ACV), gap pays the difference. Essential for low down payments, long loans, or leases. Rental Reimbursement / Transportation Expense: Pays for a rental car or rideshare while your insured vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss. Roadside Assistance: Towing, jump starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery. OEM Parts / New Car Replacement (where available): Ensures original manufacturer parts or covers a brand-new replacement if your new car is totaled within a time/mileage window. Custom Equipment / Accessories: Covers aftermarket wheels, stereos, wraps—if you’ve added them, schedule them. Rideshare Endorsement: If you drive for Uber/Lyft, this fills gaps between your personal policy and the TNC policy. How Claims & Payouts Work (Fast Primer) Deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive: Insurer pays the covered amount minus your deductible. Actual Cash Value (ACV): Most auto policies pay the car’s market value at time of loss (depreciated), not what you paid new. Total Loss: If repair costs + salvage value exceed ACV threshold, insurer “totals” the car and pays ACV (gap can cover the loan shortfall). At-Fault vs. Not-At-Fault: With collision on your policy, you can fix your car now and let your insurer subrogate (collect from the other carrier) later. Picking Smart Limits (Simple Framework) 1.Start with liability: Aim for at least 100/300/100 (or higher) if you have assets or higher income. Add a $1–$2M umbrella if you want extra protection beyond auto/home liability. 2.Decide on collision & comprehensive: If your car is newer, valuable, or financed, keep both. Choose deductibles you could comfortably pay tomorrow (e.g., $500–$1,000). 3.Add UM/UIM to match liability limits: Too many drivers carry minimal insurance—protect yourself and your passengers. 4.Layer in helpful extras: Gap (loan/lease), rental, roadside, OEM parts, rideshare—as your situation requires. What Affects Your Premium (and How to Save) Vehicle factors : Value, repair costs, safety features, theft rates. Driver profile: Age, driving history, annual mileage, garaging ZIP. Coverage choices: Higher limits and extras cost more; higher deductibles reduce premium. Discounts to ask for: Bundle home/condo/renters with auto Telematics / safe-driver programs Good student, defensive driving course Multi-car, paid-in-full, paperless, vehicle safety features Quick Scenarios: Which Coverage Responds? You rear-end someone: Your liability (PD/BI) pays their damage/injuries; collision fixes your car. Hail dents your hood: Comprehensive. Hit-and-run damages your car: Collision (or UM property damage where available). Deer jumps into the road: Comprehensive (animal impact). Your parked car is sideswiped and the driver disappears: Collision. You’re hit by an uninsured driver and injured: UM/UIM (medical/lost wages per state rules). New car totaled, loan balance exceeds payout: Gap. Bottom Line Every driver needs strong liability and UM/UIM; most owners of newer or financed cars should also carry collision and comprehensive . Add targeted extras (gap, rental, roadside) to fit your budget and risk. With the right mix, you protect people, property, and your finances—and avoid surprises after a crash or catastrophe. At Alcock Insurance, we are committed to offering our clients a wide range of comprehensive and affordable insurance policies. We go above and beyond to ensure that we meet your unique needs with tailored solutions. To find out more about how we can assist you, please reach out to our agency at (252) 353-1700 or CLICK HERE to request a free, no-obligation quote. Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, it is important to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional. They can offer expert advice tailored to your individual situation and help you make well-informed decisions about your insurance coverage.