National Flood Insurance Program Receives Extension

Acting Insurance Commissioner Robert L. Pratter today announced that the federal flood insurance program has been extended for one more year and reminded Pennsylvanians to consider buying flood insurance to protect their homes and businesses.

"After three lapses this year, it is finally official -- the National Flood Insurance Program has been extended for one more year," said Pratter. "This is welcome news to many people in our state who could be affected by flooding or who wished to buy or sell a home and were not able to do so, because the property was in a designated flood-plain and flood insurance was required."

Standard homeowner policies do not include coverage for flood damage. Also, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood policy becomes effective.

Run-off water, inadequate drainage or dam failure can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Homeowners and business owners should discuss flood insurance with their insurance professional as soon as possible.

Information detailing coverage and how to obtain flood insurance can be found at www.floodsmart.gov, the official site of this federally-funded resource for flood victims.

The President recently signed the National Flood Insurance Program Re-extension Act of 2010, which extends the program until Sept. 30, 2011. Consumers who were seeking to renew their policies or purchase a new policy may now proceed.

West Virginia Tops Deer Hit List

Car versus deer incidents in West Virginia are higher than any other state in the country.

WHEELING -- A new report by State Farm Insurance shows West Virginia with the highest risk of deer vs. car accidents of any state in the country.
State Farm reports the odds of hitting a deer in the state are 1 in 42.

This is the fourth year in a row that West Virginia tops the list.