ELKHART COUNTY — Insurance agents in our area are inundated with calls from clients ready to make claims.

Unfortunately many people affected by this flood don’t have flood insurance, or their insurance won’t cover this type of disaster.

Agents say people are now calling looking to change up their policies.

WSBT 22 spoke with an agent who says many of his clients are calling and asking to review what their coverage is and what their options are going forward.

This is a good time to review your own policy.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. So many people affected by this disaster don’t have coverage. Meaning they will have to front the cost for the damage themselves.

While some people can’t buy flood insurance, it is possible for most in our area — including people in Mishawaka, South Bend and St. Joseph County.

Unfortunately, many people opt out of a policy like that because they think a flood won’t happen to them.

Richard Was has been in insurance for 28 years. He has the difficult job of telling some of his clients this week that their homeowners policy does not cover floods.

“We are having a problem here locally this past week,” he said. “I have told people there is a general rule of thumb you can use that is basic. If water is coming from inside your home, most of the time it is covered. Water coming from outside is typically not.”

That includes seeping up from the foundation. That’s not covered.

According to FEMA, If you live in an area with low or moderate flood risk, you are five times more likely to experience flood than a fire in your home over the next 30 years.

Some people say flood insurance is too pricey, and it might be in some circumstances.

FEMA says a National Flood Insurance Program’s flood insurance policy could cost less than $400 per year.

You can talk to your insurance agent about adding it.

Where to report storm damage:

• St. Joseph County – 574-235-9378

• Berrien County – 1-800-815-5485.

• Marshall County – 574-936-3740

• Elkhart County – 574-891-2238

• City of Elkhart – 574-293-8931

• City of Goshen – 574-533-8621

Source: WSBT