Put Flood Insurance on Your To-Do List

Going to the doctor. Getting exercise. Eating healthy. That’s a short list of things we know are good for us, yet tend to put off or avoid doing altogether. Purchasing flood insurance almost makes the list, except for one major difference: everyone knows those other things are good for them, but the average property owner is woefully unaware of the risks of not insuring against flood. As an independent agent, it’s important to educate your customers about these risks. Most people assume that if their lender doesn’t require flood insurance, they don’t need it. Some don’t believe there is a risk of flooding, and others expect everything to be covered under their homeowners policy. The reality is that flood is excluded in a standard homeowners policy, and not only is it the nation’s most common natural disaster, but over 20 percent of flood claims come from properties not in high-risk zones. Flooding is a threat regardless of where a home is, and insuring one outside of a high-risk zone comes at a fraction of the price of those in the high-risk locations. It’s typically less than one would spend on cable TV or their mobile phone. Summer is the perfect time to ask customers about flood. The heavy rain that comes this time of year increases the risk of flooding, and the 30-day waiting period to obtain coverage means it is important to urge clients to get covered sooner rather than later. For most, a home is the biggest investment they will ever make. Protecting that investment is more convenient than a trip to the doctor, easier than going to the gym, and cheaper than eating healthy foods. Consider flood insurance when discussing your customers’ needs—it’s an important item on the insurance checklist.

Daniel Carvin

Daniel is a sports nut, especially when it comes to playing hockey, soccer and kickball. His property insurance career is as varied as the sports he participates in – underwriter, forms technician, marketing copywriter.