Flood Season is Year-Round
As hurricane season comes to an end, many people and communities breathe sighs of relief, believing that the worst of weather threats is behind them. However, the end of hurricane season doesn’t necessarily mean the risk of flooding ends. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood, and many homeowners and renters don’t take flooding seriously until they have experienced a flood themselves. There are plenty of reasons why people don’t purchase flood insurance, but here's a few common misperceptions you can clarify for your clients to reinforce why they should have flood insurance policies.
Your Community Has Never Flooded
Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Our climate is changing, and many communities are not completely equipped to mitigate the potential for flood disasters. Poor drainage systems, summer storms, melting snow, neighborhood construction and broken waters mains can all result in flooding.
High-risk areas have at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage, but communities outside these areas are also facing an increase in unexpected flood disasters.
You Have a Homeowners Policy
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover any damage to a home and its belongings due to certain occurrences, such as fire or theft—but flooding isn’t included. Just one inch of water can cause expensive damage to a property, and only flood insurance covers the direct physical losses to your client’s home and belongings. Without a flood insurance policy in place, they can face hefty out-of-pocket costs.
You Live Outside of the High-Risk Flood Area
If clients live outside of a high-risk flood area, flood insurance isn’t required, but flooding can happen to anyone. In fact, 40% of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk areas.
You’re Renting Your Home
Their landlord most likely has a flood insurance policy in place for the building, but their personal belongings aren’t included. It’s also important to remind them that standard renters insurance don’t cover flood damage and can leave them stuck with the bill.
Hurricane Season is Over
The end of hurricane season doesn’t mean the risk for flooding ends too. Floods can happen anywhere, at any time. For the past four years, hurricanes have caused above-average flooding and, as the climate continues to change, no home is completely safe from flooding. Flood insurance gives your clients financial protection and peace of mind. Whether it’s a major flood or just a few inches in your home, flood insurance ensures that they’re covered.
