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Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. has launched a new personal lines inland flood insurance product designed to provide more options for homeowners in low-to-moderate-hazard flood zones.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flood is the most common natural disaster in the United States and all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods over the past five years. However, many homeowners who live outside of Atlantic and Gulf coast areas do not have insurance coverage for flood.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood. Instead, flood coverage must be purchased separately through the NFIP. In low-to-moderate-hazard flood zones, the reported NFIP purchase rate is estimated at only around 1 percent, yet NFIP data shows those areas account for over 20 percent of NFIP claims and one-third of Federal Disaster Assistance for flooding.

According to Steve Levy, president, Munich Re America’s Reinsurance Division, the coverage is an alternative for non-coastal homeowners looking for lower-limit coverage to protect their homes and personal property.

“It is a first step into the private flood insurance marketplace, and one we are taking cautiously and deliberately,” Levy said.

Munich Re America’s new Inland Flood Coverage Endorsement can be attached to a consumer’s existing homeowners insurance policy purchased through a participating insurance carrier. Discussions with prospective carriers and state regulatory authorities are currently in progress.

“Average homeowners in a lower flood hazard area seek basic protection for their home and personal property at a competitive price,” said Tim Brockett, Munich Re America’s senior vice president, Reinsurance Division Strategic Products.

Brockett added the coverage can be offered at lower limits and tailored to the underlying homeowners policy, and eliminate the administrative burden of a separate, stand-alone flood policy.

An independent research survey of insurance agents conducted for Munich Re in the US found that 78 percent of agents surveyed said the new Inland Flood Coverage Endorsement fills a need in the marketplace, and 81 percent said the coverage would appeal to consumers.

Full implementation services for insurance carriers that choose to offer the Inland Flood Coverage Endorsement will be provided by Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, an affiliate of Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

Flood claims management services will be available through Specialty Insurance Services Corporation (SIS). SIS is an affiliate of American Modern Insurance Group and Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

Topics USA Flood New Markets Reinsurance Homeowners