Uncertainty can prove costly when it comes to purchasing property insurance. When pricing catastrophe risks, underwriters must be able to quantify them accurately. Where uncertainties arise, underwriters often adjust prices in an attempt to compensate for the unknown or decline the risk entirely. Uncertainty also tends to drive up the loss estimates produced by CAT modeling tools used to help underwrite property coverage today. To avoid paying unnecessarily high prices, insureds should provide detailed data that creates a complete and accurate picture of their exposures in a schedule of values. Complete submissions based on more precise data are likely to receive a warmer welcome from underwriters who have seen an increase in submission volume in the current market. Brokers that can provide a detailed catastrophe risk assessment report using the latest modeling technology can help clients make more informed decisions about risk transfer strategies and better position them to achieve the most cost-effective insurance program.

Flooding continues to be the most expensive and the most common natural disaster in the United States, resulting in billions in economic losses every year. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 90% percent of all U.S. natural disasters involve flooding.

The term catastrophe became a part of everyday life this year as the global coronavirus pandemic spread across the country. With spring also came the "normal" catastrophes, including a spate of deadly thunderstorms and tornados. This was followed by an early start to a hurricane season that kept setting records through the summer, and a disastrous wildfire season for which the full scope of damages will not be known for some time.

Flooding, the most common natural disaster in the U.S., can have huge consequences for homeowners, businesses, and communities. With the emergence of climate change and increase in severe weather, flooding is impacting ever widening areas, but at least 85% of homeowners still lack flood insurance. Flood insurance empowers families and communities to recover and thrive in the wake of disaster.

The severe hurricanes and record-breaking wildfires that have caused widespread damage in recent years have heightened concerns that a changing global climate may be leading to more frequent and extreme natural catastrophes. Among the possible effects of climate change, stronger and slower-moving hurricanes may bring more devastating winds, higher storm surge and greater inland flooding; hotter temperatures can dry out vegetation and raise the risk of wildfires, particularly as people move into formerly wild areas. Those changes may lead to greater risks for property owners and higher-than-expected claims for insurers.