Metropolitan Flooding: What Your Clients Don’t Know

All too often Americans don’t think about Flooding. When they do it’s common for them to conjure images of hurricane-stricken areas on the coasts. Those are powerful mental images, and a reminder of the impact of what flooding can do to communities. While they may assume it could never happen to them, these assumptions can be problematic. In fact, 98% of all U.S. counties have experienced a flood event. 

People think flooding can’t happen to them, yet over 40% of NFIP claims come from outside the high-risk areas. People don’t see or understand their flood risks especially when living in a city. As an insurance agent, you can help your clients understand and address their flood risks in cities. 

Major metropolitan areas comes with their own unique set of flood risks that your clients need to know in order to be protected. Helping your clients understand their flood risk and getting coverage, can help them worry less. Here are some lesser-known facts about metropolitan flooding you can discuss with your clients.

• In new and developing communities, lacking the proper infrastructure can lead to runoff. Without storm drains and sewage systems, a major storm can cause water to build up in low-lying areas causing flash floods. Your clients living or moving into developing communities might not recognize the risks their home may face.
• When nearby rivers or streams overflow – cities and suburban areas face a unique problem. An abundance of concrete can mean that water doesn’t have soil to be absorbed by. When a river overflowing causes a flash flood, the concrete jungle is a clear path for flood waters. These floods can travel for miles from their source flooding everything in its path. 

Something as simple as changing weather patterns can leave communities overwhelmed in a short period of time. Talk to your clients candidly, help them find the coverage that’s right for them and worry less, by talking to them about their Flood Risk.