Flood insurance is the most critical coverage clients assume they don’t need. To bridge this gap, Orion180 launched a listening sessions initiative, conducting in-depth interviews with some of our top-performing agents. These partners maintain higher-than-average conversion rates by mastering the flood conversation. We’ve distilled their frontline expertise to help you replicate their success.
Orion180 is committed to your growth through superior support, 18-day average claims resolution, and a lightning-fast quoting process. We sat down with Chance Hazeltine (Sarasota, FL), Jordan Altenhof (Rockledge, FL), and Matthew Brooks (Biloxi, MS); their combined experience across different flood environments offers a blueprint for increasing your binds.
Five High-Level Pointers For Your Flood Business
- Automate the offer to bridge the gap: Instead of waiting for a client to ask, automatically run a flood quote and include it when you finalize their home insurance quote. As you review their homeowners policy, use the moment to bring up what is not covered. Position flood insurance as an easy, cost-effective solution to fill a major coverage gap that their home insurance leaves wide open.
- Tackle coverage misconceptions head-on: When clients claim they already have water coverage, clarify that standard home insurance typically only covers internal plumbing issues. When they lean on their hurricane coverage, clearly define that it protects against wind and rain, but offers zero protection for rising exterior waters. Treat these common misunderstandings not as hurdles, but as direct opportunities to introduce a dedicated flood policy.
- Disarm the Flood Zone X false sense of security: Remind clients that FEMA flood maps can be severely outdated, sometimes only remapping every 10 years or more. Explain that rapid land development and new construction continuously alter water drainage, which instantly changes local flood exposures. For clients buying a new home, advise them to carry flood insurance for at least three to five years to safely observe their neighborhood's drainage patterns during wet seasons.
- Prove the value by quoting alternatives: Presenting alternative options prevents your competition from doing so first. When pricing is comparable, present the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) alongside a private flood option. Frame the NFIP as a basic policy that caps actual cash value on contents and provides zero loss of use coverage. Next, highlight the value of your private flood offering by demonstrating the superior benefits and expanded protections. Finally, let the client review the options to make the best, most informed decision.
- Time your follow-up for cash-poor buyers: It is common for brand-new home buyers to feel low on funds immediately after spending their money to close on a house and move. If they pass on flood coverage initially, returning to them after waiting three to six months can be a winning strategy. Letting them build their money back up a bit allows you to add an affordable standalone flood policy when it is a more comfortable for them to do so.
The Road to More Binds: What’s Next?
Mastering the flood conversation is about shifting your client’s mindset from optional to essential. By leveraging these frontline insights, you can transform common objections into growth opportunities.
Get ready because this is just the beginning. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing a deep-dive series into each of these tactics. We’ll reveal the underlying scripts, technical data, and other useful details our top agents use to dominate the market. Stay tuned—we’re breaking down these success strategies one by one to help you maximize your potential with Orion180 Flood. Get started today by logging into your MY180 portal.
