GARDINER, Maine — Despite the best efforts of Roger Bintliff, the owner of Bintliff’s Corner Brew cafe in Gardiner, a devastating flood left his business in ruins last month. A foot and a half of water breached the brick walls, prompting Bintliff to wade through icy waters in a last-ditch effort to save his restaurant.
Bintliff’s attempts were in vain as the floodwaters rushed in, rendering his cafe irreparable. His refrigerators, water heater, and over $100,000 worth of equipment were damaged beyond recovery.
A month later, Bintliff, along with other business owners on Water Street in Gardiner, is facing the harsh reality that their insurance policies do not cover the flood damages. Many of these small business owners have invested their entire lives into their establishments, making the news of insufficient coverage a significant blow.
This narrative echoes across the state of Maine after a series of historic storms attributed to human-induced climate change. Fishermen and homeowners along the coast are grappling with the aftermath of storm surges, while residents along the Kennebec River, including those in Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta, are engaged in battles with insurance companies following December’s flooding.
Bintliff, initially confident in his insurance, discovered that the policy would not cover the flood damages. Despite having invested in a hefty insurance policy covering up to $400,000 in damages, the reality was different when it came time to file a claim.
The complexity of flood insurance coverage, particularly the narrow definitions and increased premiums for flood-prone properties, is a challenge faced by many property owners. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), established in 1968, has undergone changes in recent years, such as the Risk Rating 2.0 program, leading to premium increases for high-risk areas.
In Gardiner, about 67% of NFIP policyholders experienced an increase in annual premiums, with over 15% seeing an increase of over $200 per year. The situation is not unique to Gardiner, as property owners in other flood-prone regions, like Hallowell, also find themselves in similar predicaments.
The experiences of Bintliff and other business owners underscore the intricacies and limitations of flood insurance coverage. Property owners are often faced with unexpected gaps in coverage, and the aftermath of storms leaves them grappling with both property damage and insurance complexities.
As Maine communities prepare for more frequent and severe storms linked to climate change, the need for increased awareness and understanding of flood insurance becomes paramount. The lack of transparency in policy discussions and the challenges of obtaining adequate coverage highlight the vulnerabilities of property owners in the face of climate-related disasters.
The aftermath of the recent floods not only leaves businesses in shambles but also prompts a broader conversation about community resilience, the importance of informed consent in insurance policies, and the need for improved communication about flood risks and insurance coverage.
