The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has brought a harsh reality to light: thousands of homeowners remain uninsured, with many left to navigate the complexities of disaster recovery without sufficient coverage. As the insurance industry grapples with these challenges, the storm’s aftermath highlights critical gaps in the United States’ flood insurance system.
Uninsured Inland Communities Hit Hard
Inland communities like Buncombe County, N.C., and Unicoi County, Tenn., were among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, yet they had alarmingly low rates of flood insurance. In Buncombe County, where an entire town was submerged, fewer than 1% of households had coverage. In Unicoi County, where residents were stranded atop a hospital roof, the rate was under 2%. Across seven affected states, an average of just 0.8% of homes in inland areas had flood insurance, compared to 21% in coastal regions.
This lack of insurance will have long-term consequences for households facing the daunting task of rebuilding. Without adequate coverage, many will rely on limited disaster assistance, which is not designed to fully restore damaged homes.
The Limitations of Federal Assistance
The federal aid available to flood victims is far from sufficient. FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program caps support at approximately $42,500 for housing and other costs, but most recipients receive far less. Currently, 108 counties across five states are eligible for this aid. Yet experts warn that disaster assistance is not as generous as many believe.
Craig Landry, a professor of agricultural economics, explains that people often overestimate the help they will receive. “People have an optimistic perception of disaster assistance,” Landry notes, “and in reality, it’s not that generous.”
Outdated Flood Maps and Unaffordable Insurance
One of the major issues complicating flood insurance coverage is the outdated flood maps used by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These maps fail to account for flooding from small waterways or heavy precipitation, which contributed significantly to the damage caused by Helene. Many homeowners outside of recognized flood plains do not realize the risk they face.
The rising cost of insurance is another hurdle. In areas like Sugar Grove, N.C., many residents forgo coverage due to prohibitive costs. Jess Dixon, a homeowner whose property was inundated with four feet of water, explains, “It’s just so wildly expensive here… Not many people can afford it.”
Industry Response and the Push for Reform
Jeff Jackson, interim senior executive of the NFIP, acknowledges that flood risk remains underappreciated across the country. “Flood risk is underappreciated across the nation — even in flood-prone areas,” Jackson stated. He urges survivors of Hurricane Helene to file insurance claims immediately and encourages those without coverage to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
However, experts argue that more must be done to address the systemic gaps in flood insurance. Carolyn Kousky, an expert in flood insurance, emphasizes that the current system is inadequate, stating, “We’re not appreciating how much flood risk is changing over time and how quickly.” Others, like emergency management professor Samantha Montano, advocate for mandatory flood insurance across the board, likening it to the requirement for car insurance.
The Road Ahead for Insurance Agents
For the insurance industry, Hurricane Helene underscores the urgency of educating clients about the evolving flood risks and the importance of coverage. As severe weather events become more frequent, insurers and agents will play a critical role in helping homeowners and businesses navigate their options.
As calls for reform grow, the need for widespread, affordable flood insurance becomes more apparent. While legislative changes may be on the horizon, the insurance industry must continue to raise awareness of flood risk and work with policymakers to close the coverage gap.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the insurance industry’s vital role in mitigating flood risk. With outdated policies, unaffordable premiums, and growing weather-related disasters, it is essential for insurers and agents to be proactive in addressing these challenges.