PIMA COUNTY (May 20, 2024) – The Pima County Regional Flood Control District is encouraging property owners and renters in Pima County to purchase or update their flood insurance if they live within a designated floodplain or in an area prone to flooding. With the summer monsoon approaching, now is the time to ensure properties are insured against flooding since most flood insurance policies include a 30-day waiting period for a new policy to go into effect.
“The District works year-round to make sure the County’s drainage infrastructure is ready to handle floods,” said Brian Jones, deputy director and floodplain administrator. “However, that infrastructure isn’t everywhere, protecting everyone.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System upgraded Pima County in April to a Class-2 Community, which puts the County in the top 0.5 percent of communities nationwide and qualifies residents for a 40 percent discount on flood insurance premiums. In addition to the discounted premiums, residents can also opt for partial coverage since most flood damage in Pima County is not catastrophic.
Contrary to popular belief, damage from flooding is not covered under homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. A separate policy must be obtained to protect a home and its contents, and due to the county's Class-2 CRS classification, it may be available at an affordable rate.
“Flood insurance is just one way County residents can protect themselves and their homes from flooding,” said Jones.
Homeowners and renters can go to the District’s flood insurance web page to determine if their property is in a floodplain and qualifies for flood insurance protection. For more information about federal flood insurance, go to www.floodsmart.gov/get-flood-insurance.