Texas has been impacted by three of the ten costliest flooding events in US History. Hurricane Harvey (2016), Hurricane Ike (2008) and Tropical Storm Allison (2001) all moved through Texas and caused a combined $13B in flood losses. Texas also endured large flooding events that did not involve tropical cyclones. The south-central Texas floods of 2002 affected an area that stretched from south of San Antonio to Abilene during an eight-day period in early July. Forty-five inches of rain fell in Kendall County during this event. Two challenges of getting customers to buy flood insurance is their understanding of the flood risk their properties face and finding products that are tailored to their needs.

Many property owners in Texas do not carry flood insurance, even though the risk of flooding in parts of Texas is as high as anywhere in the country. Perhaps property owners have not been offered flood insurance by their insurance agent or they have not discussed flood insurance since they bought their property.

Over the past several years, more options have been introduced into the flood insurance market... While the NFIP has been the dominant option for homeowners, there are many other options of other flood insurance available today. While each product has its own appetite, many solutions can provide higher limits, additional coverages and a streamlined experience. So, there is not one answer for flood insurance in Texas today, but a dynamic marketplace that allows customers to shop for a suitable flood insurance solution.

While more entrants are expected in the private flood insurance market, helping customers understand the flood risk that exists for their properties is just as important. Agents can do their part by talking with customers, new or existing, about the risk of flooding and the available flood insurance products. While unable to predict the future flooding events that will impact Texans, agents can inform and prepare their customers to be ready for the floodwaters when they come.

_{This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized advice.}