New Richland family faces $200,000 repair bill after flood damage
The Priebe family struggles to secure adequate coverage in a town not officially mapped as a flood zone.
By Lauren Foster ·
Water damage now defines the interior of a New Richland home that appears intact from the street.
Tyler and Shelby Priebe, along with their two children, live in a house that has suffered heavy internal damage. The family of four considers the residence unlivable. They have consulted with contractors, electricians, and appliance specialists to assess the scope of the work. Tyler Priebe stated that restoring the home to its previous condition will cost approximately $200,000. The family has lived in the property for more than a decade.
The primary obstacle is the town’s status on federal maps. New Richland does not appear on the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zone map. However, the town has experienced four floods in the past 16 years. Because of this classification, the family found private flood insurance to be cost-prohibitive. Shelby Priebe noted that the lack of a designated flood plain made the premiums very high. The family was quoted a rate of about $500 per month for private flood coverage. Instead, they purchased a traditional homeowner’s policy. That policy provides a coverage limit of $15,000, which falls far short of the estimated repair costs.
Local insurance experts describe the situation as a gap in federal planning. Brett Garry, owner of Garry Insurance Center in North Saint Paul, calls New Richland a gray zone. He explained that there is no simple solution for residents in areas not classified as flood zones. Garry advised prospective homebuyers to speak with agents who specialize in flood coverage before purchasing property. He emphasized the importance of understanding how flood risks are priced in these specific regions.
The Priebe family is currently weighing two options: selling the house at a loss or paying for the extensive repairs out of pocket. The disruption has altered their daily routines. Shelby Priebe said she has not returned to work while she manages the household and cares for her family. The couple has also created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the repair costs.
