The deluge of rain across the county this week flooded streets, parking structures and homes. But many San Diego residents facing water damage may not be aware their insurance won't cover it.
State Farm agent Bernardo Vasquez said many insured homeowners and renters opted not to purchase flood insurance.
“Flood insurance is an entirely different policy from either your home or renters insurance policy,” Vasquez said.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the most common natural disaster. Every year claims total close to $4 billion.
Vasquez said San Diegans weren't thinking about flood insurance until recently and it could take up to a month for a new policy to go into affect.
“No one was talking about flood insurance until the media started playing up 'Hey El Niño is coming. El Niño is coming,'” Vasquez said. “Although we can process and service that policy as a local agent, everything has to go through the National Flood Insurance Program."
