Insurance problems mount for New Richland Family

Insurance problems mount for New Richland Family Harrison Klopp KSTP Questions over flooding and insurance Outside Tyler and Shelby Priebe’s house in New Richland, things still look normal. Inside, the home has been heavily damaged and the family of four has been left with an unlivable house. The Priebes said they have talked with contractors, electricians and appliance workers about repairs. They said the cost to restore the home could reach $200 thousand. “We’ve talked with contractors and electricians and appliance people and we’re talking 200 thousand dollars worth…just in, if we were to put it back to what it was,” Tyler Priebe said. What is the problem? New Richland is not designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone map, even though the town has flooded four times in the past 16 years. The Priebes said that has made flood insurance difficult to get. “We’re not in a flood plain, so flood insurance is really expensive,” Shelby Priebe said. The family said they were quoted about $500 a month for private flood insurance and chose a traditional homeowner’s policy instead. They said that policy covers $15 thousand in damage, far short of the $200 thousand they expect to need for repairs. Brett Garry, owner of Garry Insurancenter in North Saint Paul, said people buying a home should talk with an insurance agent who understands flood coverage. “If you’re looking to buy a house, it’s definitely worth having a conversation with an insurance agent that’s well-versed in flood insurance,” Brett Garry said. Garry said New Richland is a “gray zone” because it is not classified as a flood zone. He said there is no easy answer for families there. What comes next? The Priebes said they are deciding whether to sell the house at a loss or find a way to pay to fix the home they have lived in for more than a decade. Shelby Priebe said the flooding has also affected the family’s daily life. “Like I haven’t been back to work because I’m trying to take care of my family…” Shelby Priebe said. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Priebe family out .