The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be one of the most active seasons in recent history. Record-warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and the anticipated development of La Niña conditions create a more favorable environment for hurricane formation and intensification, increasing the likelihood of significant storm impacts along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Such a forecast underscores the importance of proactive preparation, especially for insurance agents working with clients in hurricane-prone areas.
With the potential for significant storm activity, now is the time to ensure that your clients are properly protected. Partnering with a wholesaler like Jencap offers unique market access and industry specialization to help even your hard-to-place clients weather the storm with peace of mind.
Are You Prepared for the 2024 Hurricane Season?
Even if overall activity is lower than predicted, it only takes one hurricane landfall to cause widespread devastation. Here are six tips to help your clients get ready:
- Understand Location Risks: Make sure you fully grasp the potential for storm surge, flooding, and wind damage in your area. Utilize tools like FEMA’s Flood Risk Mapping to determine if properties are in flood zones or evacuation areas. Each state also offers resources to help you determine whether you live in an evacuation zone. For instance, Florida provides a “Know Your Zone” map, which residents can search by address.
- Create a Disaster Plan: Develop comprehensive emergency plans for yourself, your family, and your clients. Identify shelter areas, evacuation routes, and meeting points. Tools like Ready.gov can help capture all critical details. Ensure that everyone in your household or family knows what to do and where to go during an emergency.
- Take Advantage of Risk Mitigation Services. Many high-net-worth insurance carriers offer complimentary risk mitigation services. These services provide valuable guidance and resources to help fortify properties against hurricane impacts. If your clients pay substantial premiums for their coastal properties, utilizing these services to protect their investments is wise.
- Assemble Emergency Supplies: Have go-bags prepared with at least 72 hours’ worth of essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, and radios. Don’t forget supplies for pets, too. Regularly check and refresh these supplies to ensure they are up-to-date and ready for use.
- Prepare Properties: Assess properties for vulnerabilities and make any necessary upgrades like impact-resistant windows, roof reinforcements, and clearing drainage areas. Ensure buildings meet the latest codes for wind resistance. Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds and trim trees that could fall on buildings.
- Safeguard Important Documents: Collect and securely store physical and digital copies of all important documents like insurance policies, deeds, and financial records. Keep physical copies in a waterproof and fireproof safe or box, and ensure that digital copies are stored securely, either on a password-protected physical drive or a secure cloud-based service.
The Role of Insurance Agents
As an insurance agent, your role is crucial in helping clients navigate the complexities of hurricane preparedness and insurance coverage. Here are some additional steps you can take to support your clients:
- Educate Clients: Provide clients with information on the importance of hurricane preparedness and the steps they can take to protect their properties and families. Share resources from trusted organizations like FEMA, NOAA, and Ready.gov.
- Conduct Coverage Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of clients’ insurance policies to ensure they have adequate coverage for hurricane-related risks. Discuss the benefits of supplemental policies, such as flood and windstorm insurance, and help clients understand their deductibles and coverage limits.
- Offer Risk Mitigation Advice: Advise clients on risk mitigation measures they can implement to reduce potential damage from hurricanes — reinforcing structures, securing outdoor items, or creating emergency plans. Encourage clients to document their property and belongings with photos or videos to expedite the claims process.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest hurricane forecasts and preparedness recommendations from reputable sources. This will enable you to provide timely and accurate information to your clients, helping them stay prepared throughout the hurricane season.
Partnering with Jencap
As your wholesale insurance partner, Jencap specializes in finding tailored coverage solutions for hard-to-insure risks. Contact us today to learn how we can help you and your clients prepare for the 2024 hurricane season. By working together, we can provide the protection they need to weather whatever storms may come.
