Because of the inherent problems with flooding losses and insuring those risks, recently the state of Alabama commissioned a large survey of the industry to understand concerns surrounding writing private flood insurance in Alabama.
The survey is very interesting and developed four recommendations for the department as follows:
- Develop and communicate a long-term strategy for flexible rate and form filing requirements that reflect the flood peril.
- Develop a plan to increase consumer awareness of the risks of flooding.
- Collaborate with agents, industry groups, real estate professionals and others to increase consumer flood risk and insurance awareness.
- Promote mitigation, responsible building, and raise the profile of state efforts to close the gap in flood protection.
Of particular interest is respondent's suggestions as to what role Alabama could play in flood resilience and mitigation efforts. Many respondents listed the following:
Increasing pricing flexibility
Limiting building in high-risk areas
Enforcing building codes and incentivizing mitigation
Educating consumers
Expand mandatory purchases outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
None of these are easy; educating consumers as to their needs for coverage has long been difficult, and while limiting building in high-risk areas is common sense, builders often resist such restrictions. The full survey results can be found here: Private Flood Insurance Survey