Flood Zones Can Be Anywhere - Why Your Clients Need Coverage

By Gregg Porter, Sr. Flood Territory Manager, Selective Insurance

When Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25, 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, it became the nation’s first major (Category 3 or higher) hurricane since Wilma hit Florida in October of 2005. Causing roughly $125 billion in damage, Harvey ranks as the second-most costly hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since 1900.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster that occurs in the United States, yet, many agents find it challenging to sell flood insurance to their customers. Many consumers believe that because they do not live “in a flood zone” and they do not have a body of water near their property, it will never happen to them.

Did you know that everyone is in a flood zone?
Some properties are in “special hazard zones” (A or V) that have the potential to flood every year, and they will be required by their mortgage lender to purchase flood insurance. But does that mean the rest of us are off the hook? No way!

Did you know that significant flood damage occurs in B, C, or X zones each year? However, purchasing flood coverage when you are in a “non-special flood hazard area” can be inexpensive.

What are the causes of flooding?
There are several sources when water temporarily covers land it normally does not cover. Some of the common causes of flooding include persistent rainfall, runoff, slow-moving tropical storms, rapid snow melt as well as ice jams. Even a water main break can be considered a flood.

Remember to include flood coverage as a recommendation every year at renewal, and document if your clients decline the coverage. The last thing you want is for one of your insureds to have a flood after you failed to offer the coverage to them.