Flood Claims Are Rising — Here’s How Carriers Can Stay Ahead

Flooding isn’t just a seasonal concern anymore — it’s becoming a year-round reality. From hurricanes and tropical storms to flash floods and urban runoff, flood events are hitting harder and more often across the U.S. And for insurers, that means one thing: more claims, more complexity, and more pressure to respond quickly and effectively. 

At Davies, we’ve been watching this shift closely. We’ve supported carriers through decades of catastrophe response, and we know that flood claims come with their own set of challenges — ones that require specialized handling, scalable teams, and a deep understanding of both private and NFIP policies. 

So what does “staying ahead” actually look like in today’s flood environment? Let’s break it down. 

The Flood Surge Is Real — and Growing 

Flood claims are on the rise, and it’s not just anecdotal. Climate data shows a clear uptick in the frequency and severity of flood events, especially in areas that weren’t historically considered high-risk. That means more policyholders are affected — and more carriers are being called to respond at scale. 

But flood isn’t like other property claims. It often impacts entire communities at once, creating a surge in volume that can overwhelm even the most prepared teams. Add in the regulatory nuances of NFIP policies, and it’s easy to see why flood requires a different kind of strategy. 

What Carriers Need Most During a Flood Surge 

When a flood hits, speed matters — but so does accuracy, empathy, and compliance. Carriers need partners who can: 

• Scale quickly with surge staffing and nationwide field support 

• Navigate NFIP and private policy requirements with confidence 

• Leverage technology to streamline the claims process 

• Maintain quality and consistency even under pressure 

• Support policyholders through what is often a traumatic experience 

It’s not just about closing claims fast — it’s about doing it right and doing it in a way that builds trust with both clients and policyholders. 

How Davies Is Stepping Up 

We’ve expanded our flood capabilities to meet this moment. Our dedicated flood team is built on the foundation of Davies’ broader field services — which means we’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on decades of experience, proven catastrophe response, and a commitment to doing things the right way. 

Here’s what we bring to the table: 

• Nationwide field adjusting for both daily and catastrophe flood claims 

• Proprietary claims platform that supports the entire lifecycle from FNOL to closure 

• Analytics and automation tools to improve speed and accuracy 

• Claim file audits to ensure compliance and quality 

• Customer-first mindset that puts policyholders at the center of every interaction 

We’re not just adding flood to our list of services — we’re investing in it. That includes hiring seasoned leaders like Jessica Chambliss, SVP of Flood Services, who brings decades of flood claims experience and a clear vision for how we support clients moving forward. 

“Flood claims are complex, but they don’t have to be chaotic,” says Jessica Chambliss, SVP, Flood Services. “At Davies, we’re building a team that’s ready to respond with speed, empathy, and expertise — no matter the size or scope of the event. Our goal is to be the partner carriers can count on when it matters most.”
 

Looking Ahead 

Flood isn’t going away — and neither is the need for strong, scalable claims support. Whether you’re already handling flood claims or just starting to build out your strategy, now’s the time to think about how you’ll respond when the next surge hits. 

Ready to rethink your flood strategy?

Whether you’re expanding your flood program or looking for a partner who can scale with you, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at ClaimsSolutions@us.davies-group.com learn more about how Davies supports carriers during surge events — and every day in between.