Flooding is one of the most devastating and deadly natural disasters in the United States. According to the National Weather Service, flooding causes an average of more than 125 deaths each year, with flash floods ranking as the nation’s top storm-related killer.
Insurance Journal shared a list of recent catastrophic floods that underscore the reality that no business is immune:
- July 2025: Heavy rains in Texas Hill Country caused flash floods that killed over 80 people and washed away roads, camps, and homes.
- Hurricane Helene, 2024: While winds caused damage, the 250 deaths were largely due to inland flooding across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- Kentucky, 2022: Flash floods destroyed homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, leaving 45 dead and thousands without possessions.
- Tennessee, 2021: Over 17 inches of rain in a single day killed 20 people and demolished entire neighborhoods.
- Hurricane Harvey, 2017: Freshwater flooding killed at least 68 people and damaged more than 300,000 structures, costing an estimated $125 billion.
- Superstorm Sandy, 2012: Sandy caused 147 deaths, with over 110 from drowning.
- Hurricane Ike, 2008: Massive flooding resulted in over 100 deaths and $29 billion in damage.
- Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The deadliest flood disaster in recent history, causing nearly 1,400 deaths and $200 billion in damages when levees failed in New Orleans.
Why Flood Insurance Matters for Law Firms
Most law firms carry commercial property insurance, but here’s the catch:
Standard policies do not cover flood damage. Whether from hurricanes, heavy rain, or rising rivers, flooding is often excluded, requiring separate flood insurance.
Without it, a single flood event could:
- Destroy office space, equipment, and physical case files
- Interrupt business for weeks or months, risking missed deadlines and lost clients
- Cause severe financial strain if the firm must rebuild without insurance reimbursement
Flood insurance covers damage to your building and contents caused by rising water. It ensures that:
- Your firm can recover and rebuild quickly after a disaster
- You can continue serving clients without devastating financial setbacks
- Business interruption is minimized with quicker claims payouts and restoration
Flooding is no longer a rare or regional event. As climate change drives more frequent and severe storms, law firms must review their coverage to include flood insurance alongside property insurance. Have questions about your firm’s flood insurance? Our AdvoCap Insurance team is here to help.
