The Pre-Storm Toolkit Every New Insurance Agent Should Have, Starting With a License

Disaster season is coming. As a new or soon-to-be-licensed insurance agent, your job isn’t just about selling policies; it’s about showing up with clarity when others are overwhelmed. And that starts with being prepared yourself.

Use this quick-hit checklist to make sure you’re ready to support clients before the next storm hits.

Before You Help Others, Get Licensed

Before you can advise, sell, or assist, you need to be licensed. No shortcuts, no guesswork.

Aceable makes it easy to get licensed:

• 100% online and mobile-friendly

• Built for fast, flexible completion

Stat: A study found that two-thirds of homeowners admit they have no idea what their home insurance covers
Trend: A quarter of all new insurance agent appointments in the Southeast happen during hurricane prep season 

The most successful agents don’t wait for the storm; they prepare ahead of it. It all starts with your license. Learn how top performers get started fast in our step-by-step guide.

Know What’s Covered & What Isn’t

Clients often don’t understand the distinction between a “covered peril” and a catastrophic gap in protection. That’s where you come in.

Key terms to master:

• Covered perils: Fire, wind, hail

• Common exclusions: Flooding, earth movement, wear and tear

• Named-storm deductibles: Higher out-of-pocket costs triggered by hurricanes

Myth Buster: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that 33% of U.S. heads of household still hold the false belief that a standard homeowners policy covers flood damage.
Risk Factor: Hurricane-related insurance disputes involve confusion over covered vs. excluded perils 

Master these key terms now so your clients aren’t left guessing later. Dive deeper into your role in our guide to what insurance agents really do.

Understand Flood Insurance Inside and Out

Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Many clients assume it does until it’s too late.

You need to know:

• What’s covered under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• When to recommend private flood insurance

• How to explain risk zones, waiting periods, and eligibility

Fact: 99% of U.S. counties have experienced a flood in the past 20 years 
Average Claim: NFIP flood payouts average $52,000 per claim
Gap Alert: Only 15% of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance

Brush Up on State-Specific Storm Rules

If you're working in high-risk states like Florida or Louisiana, being familiar with local requirements immediately sets you apart.

Key topics include:

• State-run insurance pools (e.g., Citizens Property Insurance)

• Catastrophe savings accounts

• Mandatory disclosures about wind or flood coverage gaps

Market Shift: Citizens Property Insurance now insures over 1.3 million policies in Florida
Knowledge Gap: Over 20% of Louisiana residents don’t understand their hurricane deductible 

From state insurance pools to catastrophe accounts, knowing the local landscape builds trust fast. See why many new agents start with P&C licensing in Texas.

Your Storm Prep Communication Plan

You don’t have to be a claims adjuster to be valuable during a disaster.

Your prep can include:

• Proactive policy review emails

• Pre-storm coverage checklists

• Follow-up calls with recovery resources

Client Loyalty: 70% of consumers say they'd switch agents for one who educates them on risk and coverage

Prepping clients before disaster strikes builds loyalty that lasts. Explore more ways to stand out in our top five success tips for new agents.

Aceable Gives You More Than a License, It Gives You a Game Plan

You don’t just want to pass the exam. You want to be prepared to make a difference. Aceable Insurance helps you do both.

• Learn anytime, anywhere

• Get real-world prep, not just memorized definitions

Ready to get licensed before the next storm rolls in? Start with Aceable Insurance.