Flood Insurance

http://www.floodzonespecialists.com/p-faq.htm

http://floodelevationcertificate.org/elevation-certificate-for-flood-insurance/

http://telsltd.com/elevcert.html

Where do I find the documents for my free evaluation?

Recorded property deed- The original property deed is sent to the local county clerks office when you close on your property to be recorded and it becomes part of the public records. You should receive the original recorded document from the office that handled your property closing approximately 1 month after the closing. If you do not have the document contact the closing agent and request the original. Or for faster results go to the clerks office in your community and request a certified copy.

Property survey or plat map- This item is called many things however it does not matter what it is called as long as we have it!! Most of the time when you purchase your property the mortgage company requires a survey of the property showing the boundaries and the structures located on the property. This should be in your closing documents. If you do not locate it there check with the local building department to see if they have a copy of your survey in the permit file for your home.

If you are not successful in finding a survey for your property the other document that we can accept is a plat map from the zoning or planning department or a tax map from the property appraisers office. These maps show the location of your property in relation to the other properties and streets in your area.

Elevation certificate- An elevation certificate is provided by a licensed surveyor. You may have one in your closing documents. If not check with the local building department to see if there is one in your permit file or check with the builder that sold you your property. If you are currently carrying flood insurance your insurance agent should have asked you for an elevation certificate to write your policy in the correct risk category. Ask them for a copy. If they do not have one ask them how they rated your premiums correctly.

If you are still unsuccessful at locating an elevation certificate you will need to hire a local surveyor to provide the elevation certificate for you. The elevation certificate will help us determine if your property can be removed from the flood zone or, if your property cannot be removed from the flood zone it will allow your insurance agent to rate you accurately and give you the best rate. The average cost of an elevation certificate is $200.00 and while you may be hesitant to spend the money, you will save far more that you spend in the long run.