HELPING CLIENTS UNDERSTAND FLOOD INS .
THREE WAYS AGENTS CAN HELP written by Olivia Overman , IA Magazine
At the beginning of 2023 , the U . S . witnessed historic flooding in California before tornadoes , hail and straight-line winds swept across Mississippi , Alabama and Georgia . Despite the frequency of these events and flood insurance ’ s rising profile , inflation and an uncertain economic outlook can make flood insurance a difficult sell .
Nevertheless , agents shouldn ’ t be deterred . “ Now is a critical time for agents to discuss the importance of flood insurance with all of their customers ,” says Cassie Masone , vice president , flood operations , Selective Insurance . “ As prices for goods and services rise , consumers look to pare their expenses ; flood insurance should not be an item to cut back on .”
Here are three ways agents can demonstrate that they are knowledgeable about their clients ’ risks and educate them about why they should purchase flood insurance coverage :
1 . GET FLOOD IN THE CONVERSATION
Flooding is the single most common peril properties face , according to FEMA , and it ’ s also the most costly . Yet , many clients are unaware that they need flood insurance or , if they are aware , how they can purchase coverage .
“ I always encourage independent agents to have their staff integrate the flood conversation into every sale
32 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER