WASHINGTON (Oct. 7, 2019) — A recent survey (PDF) commissioned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that about half of Americans (51%) don’t know that homeowners insurance does not cover damage/loss caused by a flood event. The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults age 18+, found that nearly a third of Americans (31%) incorrectly think damage/loss caused by a flood event is covered by homeowners insurance, and about 1 in 5 (21%) are not at all sure if the damage/loss is covered.
Whether it’s a flash flood in Maryland, days of battering rain in Louisiana, or an unprecedented hurricane that hits New York City, floods can happen anywhere. Yet less than one quarter of Americans (23%) believe it is likely that their current home will be impacted by a flood event.
“Most people don’t believe they are in danger of a flood,” said Eric A. Cioppa, NAIC President and Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance. “Many people also incorrectly believe that their homeowners or renters insurance will cover their losses.”
The NAIC encourages homeowners and renters to review their insurance policies and understand exactly what’s covered and what is not. In addition to the federally administered National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flood insurance policies can be secured through the private market.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of National Association of Insurance Commissioners from September 19-23, 2019 among 2,076 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact news@naic.org.
About the NAIC
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. For more information, visit www.naic.org.
Leave a Reply