The Midwest’s Recent Flooding Is a Reminder: Flood Insurance Conversations Can’t Wait

Recent devastating flooding across the Midwest is a stark reminder that flood losses can happen almost anywhere. Whether caused by days of heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers or flash flooding after severe storms, these events often leave property owners facing significant damage that is not covered by a standard homeowners or commercial property policy.

For independent agents, this creates an important opportunity to revisit flood insurance conversations with clients. Many insureds still assume flood coverage is included in their property policy or believe flood insurance is only necessary in high-risk flood zones. Unfortunately, recent weather events continue to prove otherwise.

Flood Risk Extends Beyond High-Risk Zones

Flooding does not respect county lines or FEMA map boundaries. A property can experience a devastating flood loss even if it is located outside a designated special flood hazard area.

As communities across Indiana work through the impacts of recent flooding, agents have a timely reason to review existing policies and identify clients who may have overlooked this critical coverage. Homeowners, investment property owners, condominium associations and commercial building owners all face exposure to flood losses that can quickly reach six figures or more.

Private Flood Solutions Offer Flexibility

While the National Flood Insurance Program remains an important option, private flood insurance has become an attractive alternative for many property owners.

Arlington/Roe’s private primary flood program offers several benefits that agents can use to address common client concerns. Coverage mirrors the NFIP form and is lender compliant, helping ease concerns during the lending process. The program also lets you schedule multiple locations on a single policy and has no waiting period.

Eligible risks include residential and commercial buildings, as well as qualifying condominiums.

Don’t Overlook Excess Flood Opportunities

Agents working with higher-value properties may also encounter situations where primary flood limits are not enough.

Arlington/Roe’s excess flood solution provides limits up to $20 million per occurrence for qualifying risks, with higher limits available on a submit-for-rating basis. Coverage can include real property, household or business contents and loss of income exposures such as business income or rental income. Eligible property types include residential dwellings, apartments, multifamily condominiums and commercial properties.

For clients with significant property values, excess flood coverage can help close potentially costly protection gaps that may otherwise go unnoticed until a loss occurs.

A Conversation That Matters

When flooding makes headlines, clients often become more receptive to discussions about their own exposures. Rather than waiting for the next storm event, now is the time to ask simple but important questions:

• Does the client currently have flood coverage?
• Are current limits sufficient for today’s property values?
• Have renovations or increased property values created a coverage gap?
• Would a private flood option offer broader protection or higher limits?

These conversations not only help protect clients but also demonstrate the value of proactive risk management.

The Time to Prepare Is Before the Next Storm

The recent flooding highlights an important reality: flood events can happen quickly and without warning. Once water starts rising, it is too late to evaluate coverage options.

Independent agents who include flood insurance in their regular account reviews can help clients better understand their exposure and secure protection before the next weather event.

For agencies looking for private primary or excess flood solutions, the Arlington/Roe flood team is available to help evaluate risks and identify appropriate coverage options. Check out this flyer for more information on our flood options.