Although the 2017 hurricane season officially ended on Nov. 1, for many across the United States, the risk of flooding is not over. With heavy rains or snow, lakes, creeks and rivers may flood, causing damage to locations that never expected to have to deal with the problem. 

Choosing flood insurance used to be a relatively simple decision. Property owners had two options: no insurance or one-size-fits-all, government-issued insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Now, there are more choices. Private flood insurance is growing more robust, bringing new and relevant options that were never available before, such as coverage for additional living expenses, enhanced basement coverage and increased limits for various risk classes.

Customized, specialty solutions

For property owners, having more options means there are more ways to protect their modern lifestyles. The NFIP continues to serve a vital need for many Americans, but there are specific exposures the federal program doesn't cover, such as swimming pools, detached structures and finished basements. Additional options are essential for people who want peace of mind knowing their valued property and possessions are protected.

Consumers today want choice. Look at the telecommunications industry, for instance, where cell phones are ubiquitous. Would everyone have a cell phone if there was only a single service plan available from a single provider? Probably not. Now, there are a variety of cell phone plans designed for different users, for example, businesses, families or teenagers. And there are myriad plan configurations to address those needs.