NEWPORT, Tenn. (WVLT) – Dozens of homes and businesses have been destroyed by flooding in Cocke County, and many are considering what their next step will be.
As people sift through the debris of what’s left, they’re beginning to realize they don’t have flood insurance. In most cases, you will be responsible for paying for the repairs yourself.
“This has completely blindsided this entire community,” said Angela Huskey, a Newport insurance agent.
Husky said she has had 13 people file claims at the State Farm office, but only two of them have flood insurance.
In some cases, homeowners in high-risk areas are required to purchase flood insurance when purchasing a home. Huskey said she sees many people deciding not to purchase insurance if they don’t need it because of the annual cost.
“It’s probably somewhere between 6,000 or more, depending on the size of the house and the proximity to the river,” Huskey said.
Huskey said those she spoke to did not expect the water to cause so much damage, adding that her own company did not have flood insurance.
Husky said people often call her office knowing that they are not covered by insurance, but hoping that they can somehow recover some of the money they lost. It is said that there was
“Most people who call the office know there is no coverage, but we are all just grasping at straws and trying to find a way,” Huskey said. .
Click here for more information about floodplains and guidance on whether you qualify for flood insurance.
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