Winter Storms and Flood Safety: Encouraging Insurance Clients to Prepare for Flood Risks
As winter approaches, many of your clients prepare for usual seasonal challenges like icy roads and heating bills. But there’s a significant and often overlooked risk that comes with winter storms: flooding.
Insurance agents play a crucial role in educating their clients about the dangers of winter floods and the importance of having flood insurance to protect against costly damage.
How Winter Storms Lead to Flooding
Winter storms bring their own unique flood risks. One of the most common is flooding from snowmelt. When large amounts of snow build up over the winter, a sudden rise in temperatures or a rainstorm can cause rapid melting, overwhelming rivers, streams and local drainage systems. This influx of water can easily lead to flooding, even in areas not typically prone to it.
Rain-on-snow events are particularly dangerous, as heavy rain falls on top of packed snow. This combination causes the snowmelt and rainwater to flow into streams and rivers simultaneously, increasing the risk of significant flooding. These types of floods can occur with little warning and often have a devastating impact on homes, businesses and infrastructure.
The Importance of Flood Insurance During Winter
Many homeowners assume that because they don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, they’re safe from flooding during the winter months. However, snowmelt, ice jams and rain-on-snow events can cause flooding in low- to moderate-risk areas.
It’s vital that your clients understand flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. The only way to protect against flood damage is with flood insurance.
Encouraging your clients to purchase flood insurance now, before the winter storms hit, can spare them significant financial loss. Waiting until a storm is on the horizon is too late, as flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect.
Help Clients Prepare for Winter Flood Risks
As an agent, you can help your clients be proactive about flood preparedness. Many homeowners and business owners aren’t aware of the risks posed by snowmelt, making it even more important to educate them. Start conversations about flood risks early, reminding them that winter storms are unpredictable and can cause sudden, devastating flooding.
Directing your clients to resources that explain these risks and how they can prepare is another valuable service you can provide. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers detailed information on winter flooding and snowmelt. Send your clients the NFIP’s What Is Snowmelt Flooding? to better understand how winter weather can lead to floods and how they can protect their property.
