Last week’s torrential rains have caused widespread flooding in West Virginia and surrounding areas. It is important that policyholders in these and other areas remain mindful of the substantial benefits that may be available to them for resulting economic and physical losses under ordinary business insurance policies. Policyholders also should be mindful of the interplay between coverage for flood under business insurance policies and assistance that may be available from state and federal agencies (e.g., FEMA). Finally, policyholders should stand ready to enforce their rights when insurers attempt to limit coverage for flood, since insurer tactics sometimes do not hold water.

For a summary of coverages that may be available to victims of flooding (directly and indirectly), see our recent flood-damage Insurance Alert.