Underwater: When flood risk isn’t what it seems

Flood risk has changed – and every home and business now faces new vulnerability. Read Chubb’s new report to examine the problem and explore solutions.

2026 Chubb Flood Risk and Resilience Survey

Not long ago, floods that led to severe property damage were largely associated with hurricane-related storm surge or close proximity to bodies of water. That is no longer the case: Today, anyone who lives or works in places where rainfall occurs can experience a major flooding event.

This fact may not be registering for large segments of the population, however. Chubb’s 2026 survey draws upon results from more than 1,500 high-net-worth homeowners, commercial businesses, agents and brokers and identifies significant gaps in perceptions of flood risk and mitigation measures. It challenges assumptions and suggests how these gaps can be bridged, providing a path forward for comprehensive flood protection and resilience.

Key findings

The survey results help us identify three overarching gaps that affect the ability of clients and insurers to protect their properties.
The Awareness Gap

Homeowners and commercial businesses alike understand that flood risk is growing; nevertheless, many of them don’t see themselves at heightened risk.

The Coverage Gap

Misconceptions about insurance abound – including the misconception that natural-disaster-related flood damage is covered by standard homeowners or business insurance policies. 

The Information-Action Gap

Even as new tools and techniques for mitigating flood risk become widespread, too many homeowners and business owners still aren’t taking the necessary steps.  

Meet Maria, James and David

We introduce three representative individuals in our report who reflect the concerns and challenges of homeowners, business leaders and insurance professionals in this new era of heightened flood risk.        

Maria Flores - An independent residential insurance agent whose high-net-worth clients, many of whom have second homes, may not fully appreciate the degree of risk that they face

James Harrison - A Florida homeowner whose beachfront property is highly vulnerable to flooding – and who understands the vital roles that flood insurance and specialized risk engineering play in protection

David Chen - A risk manager for a large data center who worries that extreme weather – especially intense rainfall events – could result in serious damage to his facility and lead to business interruption for his clients 

Download the full report

Get the full story. Download the full report now and learn:

  • Why floods are more common now than they have been in years past – irrespective of one’s proximity to a body of water
  • How insurance brokers can better protect their clients from flood-related losses by communicating how risk has changed, and why flood insurance is necessary
  • Why commercial businesses are preparing for future floods by incorporating a wide range of mitigation tools and strategies over the next three years 

Count on Chubb to provide a path forward for comprehensive flood protection and resilience.