Arkansas has ranked among the top 15 states with the worst flooding over the past 15 years. Outdated FEMA flood maps exacerbate the problem, as they fail to reflect current flood risks accurately. This means residents of Mountain Home, AR, may be unknowingly living in flood-prone areas. At Affordable Insurance Inc., we rely on FEMA’s flood maps for policy decisions, but we also incorporate independent statistics to ensure more accurate assessments. Inaccurate flood maps can negatively impact insurance coverage, costs, and claims.
How Do FEMA’s Flood Maps Impact Your Flood Insurance?
Outdated or incorrect flood maps can misrepresent the actual risks in flood-prone areas. This can lead to homeowners paying too much for flood insurance premiums or, conversely, not enough. Underinsurance becomes a significant risk, leaving homeowners vulnerable to financial losses in the event of a flood. On the other hand, some neighborhoods may face overly strict building codes and unnecessary precautions due to exaggerated flood risks.
Relying solely on these inaccurate maps can mislead landlords and homeowners, leaving them unprepared for potential flood damage or over-prepared for floods that never occur. This misinformation can result in financial strain and inadequate insurance compensation when disaster strikes.
Why Does FEMA Need to Update Flood Maps?
The last major update to FEMA’s flood maps occurred in the 1970s, and the few changes made since then remain insufficient. Over the past five years alone, Arkansas has experienced an increase in floods, thunderstorms, and other water-related hazards. Accurate flood maps are essential for identifying high-risk areas and implementing safety measures, updated building codes, and other provisions. Without these updates, emerging flood-risk zones remain overlooked and unprotected.
At Affordable Insurance Inc., we are committed to providing flood insurance policies that serve the right communities. We continuously monitor and record flood-related changes in Mountain Home, AR, and share these updates with our policyholders. For more information about our data and FEMA’s flood maps, contact us today.
