Should I purchase flood insurance if my property is 5 miles from water?

[Account Closed]

Ok, i am sure the title of this question looks pretty dumb...

I am hearing sad stories about people up here in New York that had Hurricane insurance but did not have flood insurance and therefore were not protected when the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy ruined their property (as it was deemed flooding, not a storm).

I have SFH/duplex properties in Florida that are about 5 miles inland from the ocean. They are in areas that are not required to have flood insurance. I have standard hurricane insurance. Am I worrying too much by also getting supplemental flood insurance? Its only $330 a year but on the other hand my profit margins are skinny on these inexpensive rentals...

Thanks.

[Jon Holdman]

Check out the FEMA flood maps for your area. Flood insurance covers one thing - rising water. The distance inland is less a factor than its elevation. It does seem like we're seeing more big storms and higher surges than previous predictions. So, even if you're at the edge of a flood zone, it might be worth buying.