Recently, representatives of PIACT met with Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais and several high-level CID staff members to address challenges and potential solutions to increase flood insurance adoption across the state.
The CID invited PIACT to share insights from the front lines—as many insurance agents report ongoing difficulties in convincing property owners to purchase flood insurance. The meeting included officials from both organizations, as well as representatives from the Big I CT.
PIACT highlighted primary obstacles that hinder flood insurance uptake, including the following:
Real-estate agents’ influence. One of the biggest challenges is real-estate agents advising buyers that flood insurance isn’t necessary if their mortgage lenders don’t require it. While homes within Special Flood Hazard Areas are mandated to carry flood insurance by federally backed mortgage companies, flood risks aren’t exclusive to these areas. In fact, nearly 40% of National Flood Insurance Program claims come from properties outside of SFHAs.
Public misconceptions about flood risk. Many buyers mistakenly believe that flood losses won’t happen to them, a perception that contributes to the low flood insurance uptake. This false sense of security often stems from a lack of awareness about flooding risks—especially in areas not commonly associated with floods.
Proposed solutions to increase flood insurance awareness. One idea that was discussed by those who attended the meeting was to launch public service announcements on radio and television. These PSAs would aim to educate the public on the fact that everyone lives in a flood zone—the distinction lies in the probability of loss, not the absence of risk. By raising awareness through media channels, the goal would be to dispel misconceptions, and to help property owners understand the true nature of flood risk.
Meeting attendees and perspectives. Representing PIACT were: Kevin McKiernan, PIACT president-elect; Theophilus “Theo” Alexander, PIACT’s government & industry affairs specialist; and Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., PIACT’s director of government & industry affairs.
In addition to Commissioner Mais, the CID was represented by: Deputy Commissioner Jared Kosky; Asst. Deputy Commissioner and Director Property & Casualty Division; George Bradner; Asst. Deputy Commissioner and Director of Government Relations and Communications Jim Carson; and Director of Consumer Affairs Gerard O’ Sullivan.
This collaborative meeting highlighted a commitment from both the CID and PIACT to find workable solutions for increasing flood insurance adoption.
By addressing misconceptions and educating both the public and agents, PIACT and CID aim to help more Connecticut property owners protect their investments against the unpredictable risk of flooding.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
