Everyone who lives or works in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program can buy flood insurance. To get the full story about this valuable protection, check out the most common myths and the real facts behind them.

MYTH: You can't buy flood insurance if you are located in a high-flood-risk area.
FACT: You can buy National Flood Insurance if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. One exception is property in designated Coastal Barrier Resources System areas.

MYTH: You can't buy flood insurance immediately before or during a flood.
FACT: You can purchase flood coverage at any time. There may be a 30-day waiting period.

MYTH: Homeowners insurance policies cover damage from flooding.
FACT: Most homeowners policies do not cover damage from flooding.

MYTH: Flood insurance is only available for homeowners.
FACT: Flood insurance is available to protect homes, condominiums, apartments as well as nonresidential buildings and commercial structures.

MYTH: You can't buy flood insurance if your property has been flooded.
FACT: You are still eligible to purchase flood insurance after your home, apartment or business has been flooded as long as your community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

MYTH: Only residents of high-flood-risk zones need to insure their property.
FACT: It is advisable to have flood insurance even if you live in an area that is not flood-prone. Between 20 and 25 percent of claims come from outside high-flood-risk areas. The Preferred Risk Policy is available for just over $100 per year and is designed for residential properties located in low to moderate flood-risk zones.