These figures are derived from NFIP estimates of funds needed to cover the 1,608 claims received so far in connection with the Flood of 2010. Claims actually paid through the National Flood Insurance Program in Rhode Island from 1978 through Feb. 28 of this year, prior to the current disaster, total $35.3 million for 2,262 claims.
The recent flooding in Rhode Island underscores the value of maintaining flood insurance as a means of recovering from a flood, rather than depending on the federal government for disaster assistance, which is limited to funds for housing, minor home repairs, personal property and other basic needs, or help from the U.S. Small Business Administration in the form of a low-interest loan.
Just take a look at the numbers.
Based on Preferred Rate Policies in low-to-moderate risk areas, the average flood insurance premium for the maximum $250,000 in coverage for a residence and $100,000 for contents is only $395 per year.
Flood insurance policy rates are based on the flood-risk zone, age of the structure and elevation of the building in relation to the base flood elevation level. The average annual premium for a standard flood insurance policy, based on standard rates in a low-to-moderate risk area, would be $1,489 annually. The annual premium for a standard policy in a high-risk flood zone averages out to $2,633 per year.
However, it should be noted that 25 to 30 percent of all flood insurance claims paid by the NFIP are for property located in low to moderate flood-risk zones. In areas with the greatest risk of flooding, there is a 26 percent chance of a building being flooded over the course of a 30-year mortgage, according to the NFIP.
Reserve funds set aside to pay claims received so far from applicants in Bristol County total $5.1 million versus $1.6 million paid in claims for the period 1978 through Feb. 28, 2010. For Kent County, projections are that $7 million will be needed, compared to $3 million paid out for the previous years; Providence County $6.2 million, compared to $19.3 million; Newport County estimates of $1.2 million, compared to $3.3 million from 1978 through February 2010; and for Washington County $6.7 million, compared to $8 million for the 32 years leading up to March 2010.
As of May 17, FEMA had disbursed $32.8 million in assistance to individuals and families, while SBA had approved $26 million in home and business disaster loans. The average SBA home loan as a result of the Rhode Island flooding has been $20,000.