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FloodSmart Winter Rainy Season Newsletter
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Winter Rainy Season Flood Risks
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Even though flooding can happen at any time of year, the West Coast is more susceptible to flooding from late October through March, when the area receives the majority of its yearly rainfall. Residents in these areas might be subject to riverine and coastal flooding as well as tsunami, deep floodplain, and debris-flow flooding. Additionally, the West has had increased wildfire activity in 2013, leaving the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, thus more susceptible to flash flooding and mudflow.
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The West Coast isn’t the only area that has an elevated chance for flooding. Along the East Coast, Nor’easters, can bring heavy snow and rain, gale force winds, and cause rough seas and coastal flooding. Heavy rains can also follow heavy snows and because the ground is still frozen, it can’t absorb runoff from the saturated snowpack and flooding can occur. Unfortunately, most people think that standard homeowners and commercial property policies cover flood damage. As an agent, you can ensure that all of your clients understand their risk and encourage them to purchase a flood policy.
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Many people think that Federal disaster assistance will cover their damages in the event of a flood; however, not all floods are declared Federal disasters, and assistance typically comes in the form of a loan that must be repaid. All homeowners, business owners, and even renters should know that just a few inches of water can cost tens of thousands of dollars in property damage. Flood insurance is the best way for people to financially protect their property.
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FloodSmart’s Cost of Flooding tool helps clients visualize the amount of damage flood water can cause. The Flood Risk Scenario helps show your clients how they might be at risk for flooding. All of your clients need to be aware that typically there is a 30-day wait before a policy goes into effect, so the time to act is now. And coverage starts as low as $129 a year in moderate- to low-risk areas
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Visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov to find resources that can help you speak flood with your clients and grow your business, including the Agent Referral Program, which will drive free, qualified leads to your agency.
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Agent Referral Program Training Requirements Update
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In an effort to connect agents with potential clients looking for flood insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) facilitates the FloodSmart Agent Referral Program. Agents participating in this program receive free leads from FloodSmart.gov, the NFIP Referral Call Center, and FloodSmart acquisition mailings. The NFIP now requires agents to submit documentation of training in order to remain in the Agent Referral Program. Agents must participate in at least 2 hours of flood training every 2 years, and provide written proof of training to FloodSmart.
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Over the next several months, agents enrolled in the Agent Referral Program
who do not have current training information on file will receive a series of emails reminding them to
provide documentation of completion from the organization that provided the training.
Additionally, compliant agents will receive email notifications when their training
certificate expiration is near to remind them to renew their flood insurance training.
Agents can submit proof of this training by uploading it to their profile on Agents.FloodSmart.gov. Agents who do not provide documentation before the deadline will be removed from the Agent Referral Program. They can rejoin the program by submitting proof of training within the past 2 years.
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BW-12 Updates
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FloodSmart continues to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in communicating changes from the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12). New materials are posted to FEMA.gov/BW12. Check the page frequently for updates. The following materials are posted and can provide valuable information for writing policies and communicating with policyholders:
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- Quick Reference Guide—At-a-glance resource showing how BW-12 affects the rating of pre-FIRM subsidized policies.
- Changes to Flood Insurance Rates—What to Know and How to Explain Them—Subsidy removal overview and six detailed scenarios with talking points for working with clients.
- BW-12 Instructional Videos for Agents—Six short videos (all under 4 minutes) that focus on the following topic areas: BW-12 overview, elevation ratings, addressing flood risk, what a subsidized rate is, moving away from subsidies, and reducing insurance costs.
- Changing Risks, Changing Rates—A consumer-facing overview of BW-12 to help policyholders decide if they’re impacted by BW-12, how they’re impacted, and what they should do.
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Don’t forget to check www.NFIPiService.com for the latest Write Your Own (WYO) Bulletins with technical guidance and instructions for companies and agents selling flood insurance.
Some documents on this page require the free
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
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Visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web sites at www.fema.gov/business/nfip
Agents.FloodSmart.gov and FloodSmart.gov
FEMA, 500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
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