The Reality of Flooding
Flooding is rife with hardship, from the initial shock of experiencing one through the process of rebuilding. And your clients might not fully grasp what they need to do, or, the advantage they have as policyholders while progress through the recovery process.
Some things your clients might not realize about the reality of flooding that will help guide your conversations around why having flood insurance is always a good idea are:
- The damage flooding may cause might not be wholly visible. Floodwater is dirty; it collects debris, soil, trash and anything else in its path. If after a flood your clients properties aren't cleaned properly, that can result in bacterial growth and mold regardless of whether or not the home's structure is damaged. Learn more about the importance of preventing the growth and spread of mold. Unhygienic waters soaking into your clients' homes isn't something they'll be able to ignore.
- Floods are deceptively powerful. Even mere inches of fast-moving floodwaters have been known to sweep people away. As little as two feet of water can carry a car away. Your clients might not think of floodwater in all its complexities, but it's a storm in its own right.
- Flooding often impacts entire neighborhoods; whole communities weather the storm together. That may result in your clients seeking shelter with others, or battling for hotel rooms while their homes are repaired or rebuilt.
- Rebuilding is expensive. Even just inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, which, without insurance, can wreak havoc on your clients' finances. Help your clients visualize exactly how much their out-of-pocket costs might be, with the NFIP's cost of flooding tool.
Educating your clients about the difficult realities of flooding isn't easy, but it can help them to contextualize the importance of a proper flood protection plan that starts with flood insurance; help them make the winning choice to protect the lives they've built.
