While Hurricane Sandy has created a new recognition of the need for flood insurance, even in areas where the risk might seem minimal, many homeowners and businesses are unaware that flood insurance is not part of the basic insurance policy. It must be obtained separately, either from an insurance company or from the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program. Many insurance companies do not provide flood insurance.

What does it cost, what does it cover and how do I get it are questions many homeowners and businesspeople ask.

Now, there is an easy, cost-effective way to obtain flood insurance via www.insureflood.com. The site provides information about flood insurance and has a link to estimate flood damage based on the height of the water. It also links to the federal program.

Best of all, a homeowner can fill out a simple application online or downloadable, and obtain a quote. The applicant receives terms from several different insurers and programs. After reviewing the quote and the terms, which may vary in price and coverages, the homeowner or businessperson can quickly obtain coverage via the internet. No high pressure selling; there is no obligation to purchase coverage by filling out the application.

The site is for homeowners and businesses in low and medium-risk areas as well as high risk areas.

For the federal program, www.insureflood.com provides charts showing the cost for premiums to cover various levels of damage and also for personal property with a link to the National Flood Insurance Program to obtain that coverage.

“Many homeowners and businesses erroneously believe their policies cover flood damage,” says Eugene B. Podokshik, Principal and CEO, First Fidelity Brokerage, owner of www.insureflood.com “The site provides information about flood insurance, allows homeowners to calculate what their losses could be and has a link to the government program. Most important, it provides easy access to get customized quotes and obtain coverage.

“With the increase in unpredictable weather and damaging storms in recent years, more homeowners and businesses should, at the very least, consider having some level of flood insurance.”