The Changing Rules of Flood Insurance

New maps may put your home in the zone for flood insurance.

By Anne Kates Smith, Senior Associate Editor
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine

Flood insurance doesn’t grab the headlines like, say, health-care reform does. Yet it’s got all the elements of a front-burner issue. Inland homeowners caught by surprise by the recent deluges in Tennessee and New England are angry that they weren’t sold flood insurance, while communities across the country are up in arms as new flood maps sweep them into insurance-required zones.

Meanwhile, questions swirl about the future solvency of the federal government-run insurance program, which covers 5.5 million properties. Intended to be supported by policy premiums, it now owes Uncle Sam almost $19 billion. And although Washington politicians debate badly needed long-term reforms, the program limps along on successive rounds of short-term funding. In the past year, the National Flood Insurance Program has lapsed (meaning no policies could be sold) three times. The most recent interruption came in June, just as hurricane season opened with forecasters calling for three to seven major storms this year.

Don’t be put off by all the noise. This is a great time to consider flood insurance. Flooding isn’t covered by most homeowners policies, and insurance may be more affordable than you think — especially given the high cost of fixing flood damage. You must carry flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage and your home is in a high-risk zone — defined as having a 26% chance of flooding within a 30-year period, or 1% annually. Flood insurance is optional if you don’t have a mortgage or you live in a less risky area, but it’s an option you should consider because 25% of all flood claims are made in areas of low to moderate risk.

Even though the flood-insurance program is run by the feds, you purchase a policy through an insurance agent at one of some 90 companies nationwide. Your community must participate in the NFIP (more than 20,000 do). You don’t have to comparison-shop because the rates are set by Uncle Sam (see estimated premiums and find an agent at www.floodsmart.gov).

“Give us a call at the Bogle Agency Insurance and we can tailor the exact kind of coverage you are looking for,” said Philip R. Bogle, owner.  “With all of the recent storms and heavy amounts of rain, the time has never been better for you to update your insurance and guarantee your property is protected.”

A home that’s in a low-risk zone may qualify for a preferred rate, with annual premiums ranging from $119 to $395 to protect both the home and its contents, depending on how much coverage you buy. Standard rates in a high-risk area start at $477 and go up to $2,633 a year. Coverage for basements is limited. You can insure your home for up to $250,000 and its contents for up to $100,000; renters can buy contents-only coverage. If you want insurance beyond what the NFIP provides, you must buy “excess” coverage from a private insure that can be secured through your insurance agent.

Don’t be upset if an updated flood map draws you into a higher-risk zone. A bigger worry is that an outdated map might conceal your true risk. (You can see whether your map is scheduled for review or has recently been updated at www.floodsmart.gov.) Buy a policy before the new map becomes effective, which can take a few weeks to several months, and you’ll lock in the lower rates associated with the lower-risk zone. Don’t wait until you hear raindrops on the roof: Policies take 30 days to go into effect.

Bogle Agency Wants You To  Prepare for Hurricane Season 

 
 
Although the hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June 1, tropical storm forecasters are predicting above-average activity for 2011. Even if you live in the Northeast, like us, the possibility of a hurricane hit remains!

An average of 15 “named storms” are predicted for this season, approximately half of which are expected to become hurricanes, according to Accuweather.com’s hurricane center meteorologists.

Meanwhile, forecasters at Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project predict an “above-average probability of U.S. and Caribbean major hurricane landfall.”

Thomas Gray, CNA’s Consulting Director for Property Risk Control, had this advice for agents: “The best way for you to help your clients is by educating them before the storm actually hits. Discuss with them what their needs might be, and plan accordingly.”

How can the Bogle Agency help you?

“At Bogle, we have policies specifically tailored for such emergencies, and they can complement, or strengthen your current homeowner’s insurance or business insurance,” said Philip. R. Bogle. “Give us a call and we can package something for you today, before any storms hit.”

We talk to our clients to make sure they have adequate coverage and the right type(s) of insurance for hurricanes and tropical storms. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Together, we can determine the best solution for your business or home. 
 
We recommend that businesses develop continuity plans that incorporate the impact of hurricanes and other possible disasters. Clients should also consider the value of having an evacuation plan for employees and a contingency plan to protect business assets.
 
“Please remember, all of us at the Bogle Agency are dedicated to making sure you’re protected,” added Bogle. ” We’ve been in business since 1919, and with our experience, we can help you with all of your insurance needs.”

May 4, 2011, for immediate release.
 

BOGLE AGENCY INSURANCE TO EXPAND

 
Bogle Agency Insurance of Lyndhurst, NJ is in the process of expanding its business, and seeks experienced insurance producers & brokers to come and grow with them.
 
“Bogle is an independent insurance agency, representing many carriers, so that gives us the ability to market and write all lines of insurance in New Jersey,” said Philip Bogle, owner of the family-owned company established in 1919.  “We are looking for dynamic individuals who are experienced in New Jersey insurance sales and products, and intend to fully support them through our advanced social media and marketing campaign.  We utilize Facebook, Twitter and Linked In to keep current in today’s world of business.”

Do you have what it takes to work for Bogle?

With over 90 years and four generations of experience with insurance in New Jersey, we have mastered how to build a rock-solid, knowledgeable community of agents and insurance carriers. Bogle Agency Insurance welcomes you to join our community and learn about our extensive book of NJ insurance options.

We specialize in all forms of insurance, whether it be New Jersey auto, home or business insurance.  We also handle life, health, professional liability, and umbrella coverages.  If you have it, Bogle Agency can insure it!
 
“If you are looking for competitive compensation, excellent support, and ownership in your book of business or clients, then I urge you to contact me directly,” added Bogle. prbogle@bogleagency.com.  All contact will be held in the strictest confidence.
 
Feel free to check us out at any of the following links:

On the web at:  www.bogleagency.com
 
On Faceook at:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Bogle-Agency-Insurance/171280236234707
 
On Twitter at:  https://twitter.com/#!/BogleInsurance
 
Linked In at:  http://www.linkedin.com/company/1797344?trk=pro_other_cmpy
 
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IS YOUR BUSINESS PROTECTED?

According to a recent insurance company survey, “One in three Americans believes that businesses are not doing enough to protect them from workplace discrimination and identity theft, according to a recent survey on behalf of Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Nearly one-third of the people surveyed noted that, compared to a year ago, companies are less likely to protect employees from gender discrimination (30%) and other workplace discrimination (32%).”

 

 

Bogle Agency can help protect businesses against workplace discrimination and identity theft. Since we are an independent agency, we represent many insurance carriers and the various types of programs they offer.  We can custom fit what’s right for you!

The policies we recommend are tailored to the individual business need and are quite affordable.  Feel free to contact us for a free survey of your business exposures and a no obligation quote to protect your business. We can be reached at our state-of-the-art website at:  www.bogleagency.com, or on our Facebook Fan Page at:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bogle-Agency-Insurance/171280236234707.  Or you can just give us a call at our conveniently located Lyndhurst, NJ office, 201-939-1076.

One of the great things about the Internet is the sheer amount of free information available — much of it from federal agencies. This maxim certainly applies to personal lines insurance and risk management.

For example, you can quickly determine if your clients or prospective clients live in a high-risk flood zone. Go to www.floodsmart.gov and look on the right side of the home page under the heading “One-Step Flood Risk Profile.” Enter the client’s address to see if he or she is in a moderate-to-low-risk flood zone or in a high-risk flood zone. The website also provides an estimated premium for contents only, building only, or both. In addition, flood maps for most communities are readily available on this website.

The U.S. Geological Survey offers valuable information for determining if any of your clients live in an area prone to earthquakes. Go to www.usgs.gov and follow these steps:

1. Select the orange rectangular box titled “Hazards” at the top of the page.

2. Choose the earthquake hazards link near the top left side of the page.

3. Select “Earthquakes — Info by State” at the bottom left side of the page.

4. You are then presented with state options.

5. Select a state, such as Tennessee.

6. Under the “Maps” heading, select “Seismic Hazard Map of Tennessee.”

A quick look at this map indicates that the area to the north of Memphis is the
higher-risk part of the state for earthquakes. This type of information can be very
helpful in making the proper earthquake insurance recommendations to your clients.
Sinkholes are another peril to consider for certain states. Sinkholes cause the most
damage in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and
Texas. The USGS has a map that shows the areas of the country where certain rock
types may be susceptible to sinkholes.

Other perils for which the USGS website provides excellent information are volcanoes and mudslides. The site offers detailed information and maps for the state’s most exposed to volcanoes — Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. For example, the USGS provides a map of the western U.S. volcanoes monitored by the Cascades Volcano Observatory.

Taking advantage of these free resources is an effective way of standing out from other insurance agents who are simply “personal lines insurance order takers.”Serving as your client’s risk manager in this way will assuredly improve your retention, customer satisfaction, and customer service.

Travelers Personal Insurance Honored as AIMS Society

Personal Lines Company Partner of the Year

Local Support, National Initiatives Cited as Key Factors

RICHMOND, VA, March 18, 2011 – Travelers Insurance has been named Personal Lines Company Partner of the Year by The American Insurance Marketing & Sales (AIMS) Society. The award, presented during The AIMS Society’s Annual PRO-to-PRO Executive Retreat in Tampa last month, was based on extraordinary support the company provides agents to help them sell and market better.

Phil Bogle, CPIAL, president of The Bogle Agency in Lyndhurst, N.J., nominated Travelers based on the support and tools the company and its people provide independent agents. “Travelers has made great strides in becoming a significant force in the personal lines arena,” Bogle says. “Their electronic tools allow agencies to easily quote, bind and submit new business electronically, without the need for paper submissions—saving time and money, and helping agents sell more and serve clients better.”

Bogle recognized Travelers Personal Lines Marketing Representative Martin Taylor, CPIA, who received the award on behalf of the company. “Martin goes out of his way to bring new ideas and suggestions to monthly meetings with me and my staff,” Bogle said. “By sharing ideas that help us increase production and improve retention, Martin truly represents the ideals fostered by The AIMS Society: professionalism and sales excellence.”

“Being named Personal Lines Company Partner of the Year was both a surprise and an honor,” Taylor said. “As a long-time AIMS Society member and as someone who holds the CPIA designation, I value the organization’s support of sales and marketing expertise within the industry. The Society is a source of ideas I use every day as I work with agents in the field,”

In addition to practical agency-company interface and good agency-company relationships, Bogle cited other factors that help agents and brokers. “Travelers’ innovative use of Facebook for local marketing and prospecting has provided quite a few leads to our agency,” he said. “Their Concierge Claim Service allows for high-tech, high-touch claims management, which reduces time spent by staff on claims handling and results in enhanced customer service.”  

Taylor added, “I’m proud of the culture at Travelers, which really stresses teamwork among our various business units. By working together, we’re able to develop and deliver agent-focused sales and service solutions that help our agents grow their business and serve clients better.”

“Strong partnerships between companies and agencies definitely contribute to agency success,” says Jim Gosselink, CPIA, CIC, LUTCF, president of The AIMS Society and of Pella, Iowa-based Tulip City Agency, Ltd. “We’re pleased to recognize Travelers Personal Insurance for its local and national efforts to help our members and other agents thrive in today’s fiercely competitive market.”

About AIMS Society: Founded in 1968 as The Firemark Society, The AIMS Society (www.aimssociety.org) is a national, member-driven organization that provides practical training, information and networking services designed to increase the personal and agency sales production of property and casualty insurance agents. AIMS Society was the first organization to honor property and casualty agents for sales excellence and to establish the industry’s only sales-based insurance designation—the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA). Completion of the CPIA designation requirements is not necessary to qualify for AIMS Society membership.  

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