Department of Insurance in Guerneville urging residents to buy flood coverage

The California Department of Insurance has sent staff members to the Guerneville area to answer residents’ questions about flood insurance in the wake of the three-day storm and flooding of the Russian River last week. An estimated 2,600 properties were flooded in Sonoma County, and damage assessments began last weekend.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said many state residents are unaware their homeowners insurance does not cover flood or mudslide damage, and he is urging residents to purchase it.

Department of Insurance staff will be at a Local Assistance Center in Guerneville through Saturday. Residents also can call (800) 927-4357 with questions about insurance.

“We want to make sure people have the coverage they need before the next storm puts their home at risk. Having flood insurance may be the difference between recovering quickly from a catastrophic event or suffering devastation losses,” Lara said.

Flood insurance is available through the Federal Flood Insurance Program, and it must be in effect for 30 days before a flood in most cases. The Local Assistance Center in Guerneville is located in the former Bank of America building at 16390 Main St. It will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through at least Saturday.