Maine Urges Homeowners to Get Flood Insurance

As spring flooding season arrives, Maine officials are urging homeowners — especially those in floodplains near rivers — to make sure they have flood insurance.

The State Planning Office says many people believe that their home- or business-owner’s insurance policy will cover flood related losses, but find out that’s not the case when it’s too late. It’s estimated that up to 75 percent of homes and businesses in Maine floodplains are not covered by flood insurance.

The agency urges property owners and renters to contact their insurance agent to make sure they’re covered. There’s a 30-day waiting period before the policy goes into effect.

Flooding’s always a threat within a floodplain, but even more while ice covers the waterway and spring rains arrive. March and April are historically when flooding occurs in Maine.