Visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov
Visit the Marketing and Advertising section of Agents.FloodSmart.gov to request co-op reimbursement dollars online!

NFIP Agent Referral Update
To ensure consumers get the best possible information, on April 1st we purged any agents not actively participating within the last 12 months.

Flood Policy Payment Options
In many cases, you can accept credit cards as payment for flood insurance premiums.

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Q:  What is the definition of a “major hurricane?”
A:  A “major hurricane” is defined as a storm with wind speeds exceeding 111 MPH.


Q: What is the duration of the Atlantic hurricane season?
A:  The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and concludes on November 30.

The predictions are in and forecasters are saying the 2007 hurricane season will bring higher-than-normal activity with upwards of 17 named storms. We have already seen our first named storm weeks before the season officially begins.  While El Niño conditions protected the country from a severe, direct hit last season, the same may not hold true for 2007.  In fact, the La Niña conditions that began to develop in the early spring could encourage development of tropical systems this summer.

While hurricanes are the main focus of the summer months, flooding not related to tropical systems can and does develop in all regions of the U.S.  Even though we didn’t see significant hurricane activity in 2006, many regions across the country experienced significant flooding.  Every state in the country experienced significant flooding last year, and all 10 NFIP regions saw a declared flood disaster.

In order to be fully prepared for the summer, here’s what residents need to do:

• Purchase a flood insurance policy if you do not already have one.
• Review your current insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered.
• Make a flood plan.  Plan evacuation routes. Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place.
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions.
• Have supplies ready in case of a flood.  For example:
  • Fill your car tank with gas.
  • Make sure to have cash on hand.
  • Flashlight and batteries.

As their agent, your customers will look to you as a source of information as they get prepared for hurricane season.  You, in turn, can look to FloodSmart.gov and Agents.FloodSmart.gov.  Both Web sites will contain information throughout the summer months related to hurricane preparedness, flood insurance, and in the unfortunate instance your community suffers a flood, information to help you assist your customers while they navigate the claims process.

FloodSmart looks forward to seeing you at the following conferences in the month of June:

Association of State Floodplain Managers Annual Convention
June 3 – 8, 2007
Norfolk, VA

Florida Association of Insurance Agents 103rd Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium
June 21 – 23, 2007
Kissimmee, FL

IIABA Virginia Annual Convention
June 24 – 27, 2007
Virginia Beach, VA

Visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov
Visit the Marketing and Advertising section of Agents.FloodSmart.gov to request co-op reimbursement dollars online and find out the status of your request immediately!

Be sure to also sign up to receive free leads through our Agent Referral Program. Your name will be immediately available online and in the call center database.

Visit Agents.FloodSmart.gov for more information about both the Agent Co-Op and Referral Programs, upcoming special incentives and new direct mail co-op templates.

NFIP Agent Referral Update
To ensure consumers get the best possible information, on April 1st we purged any agents not actively participating within the last 12 months.

If you signed up for the Agent Referral Program via phone or fax and never registered at Agents.FloodSmart.gov, you will need to do so. Be sure to click the box to enroll in the Agent Referral Program to resume receiving leads.

If you have questions, e-mail us at info@femafloodsmart.com or call us at (888) 379-9531.

Flood Policy Payment Options
In many cases, you can accept credit cards as payment for flood insurance premiums.  This option may make it easier for some of your customers to purchase a flood insurance policy.  For additional information and details including which cards are accepted, please contact your WYO company.

The secure site at Agents.FloodSmart.gov has many resources available for agents who currently sell flood insurance and agents who are just starting out. By registering with the site, you will have direct access to resources that will help you market and sell flood insurance, service your clients, and grow your business. Here is just a sample of some of the great tools available:

• Advertising Co-Op Program
• Advertising tools and templates
• Agent Referral Program
• Resources to protect you from E&O exposure after you've discussed flood insurance with your customers
• Education and training tools
• News and publications

It's easy and free! Register today at Agents.FloodSmart.gov.