The Simply Flood Podcast with Lisa Sharrard

Lisa Sharrard

Flood insurance doesn't have to be confusing. Welcome to The Simply Flood Podcast, where flood insurance expert Lisa Sharrard helps homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals, and insurance agents understand flood insurance with clear, practical advice. While many agents don't specialize in it, Lisa has spent nearly 40 years in floodplain management, FEMA programs, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and flood insurance. She breaks down complex topics into straightforward information you can actually use. New episodes are released every three weeks, covering flood insurance, policy updates, industry trends, real-world scenarios, and flood preparedness. You'll also find bonus reaction episodes whenever major flooding events or breaking industry news happen. If you're looking for trusted expertise and practical guidance, you're in the right place. Subscribe and join us. About Lisa Sharrard Lisa A. Sharrard is the founder of Choice Flood Insurance and owner of Simply Flood LLC, and has spent nearly 40 years serving the flood insurance and floodplain management industry. She has worked at every level of the profession—from state floodplain management and FEMA grant programs to training NFIP underwriters and customer service representatives, consulting with communities, and helping thousands of property owners secure the right flood coverage. Lisa is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI), Certified Public Manager (CPM), and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). Today, she specializes exclusively in flood insurance, helping consumers, adjusters, real estate professionals, and insurance agents navigate both NFIP and private flood insurance options with confidence. Her mission is to provide expert guidance, clear education, and straightforward answers so people can make informed decisions before the next flood, not after. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Sep 29

    What Homeowners Don't Know About the Flood Claim Process

    Flood damage can be overwhelming, but knowing how the flood insurance claims process works can make a major difference. Host Lisa Sharrard sits down with experienced flood adjusters Keith Fountain and Clinton Miller of Fountain Group Adjusters to break down what homeowners, insurance agents, and flood insurance professionals need to know about navigating a flood claim. From documenting damage before cleanup begins to understanding how adjusters prioritize catastrophe claims, this conversation provides practical insight into what happens after a flood and how policyholders can be better prepared. In this episode, we discuss: • How to prepare for a flood claim before a loss ever happens • What homeowners should do during the first 48 hours after filing a claim • Why photos and documentation are critical to a successful flood claim • What evidence homeowners often fail to preserve • How to document personal property and building damage • Why damaged items shouldn't automatically be thrown away • NFIP vs. private flood insurance claims • How flood adjusters prioritize claims after a catastrophe • What homeowners can realistically expect regarding claim timelines • Replacement cost vs. actual cash value • The role of independent and public adjusters • What happens when a flood claim is denied or underpaid • The FEMA flood claim appeals process • Supplemental claims and requests for additional payment • Common documentation mistakes that can affect a claim • Why prior flood claims and completed repairs need to be documented Keith Fountain and Clinton Miller bring decades of flood claims experience to the conversation, offering insight into the claims process from the adjuster's perspective. Check out Fountain Group Adjusters at https://fgclaims.com/. ▶️ Watch and subscribe on Youtube https://lnkd.in/eSc88CEh 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Simply Flood wherever you get your podcasts. 🌟 Thank you to our supporting sponsor, National General! Check them out and request a quote at https://nationalgeneral.com/ 🌟 And thank you to our premium sponsor, Choice Flood Insurance LLC! Check them out at https://lnkd.in/eBXuvGy8 and schedule a consultation to learn more about how Choice can protect your home from flood. #FloodInsurance #FloodClaims #NFIP #FloodDamage #InsuranceClaims #FEMA #FloodRecovery #InsuranceAgents #ClaimsAdjuster #FloodRisk #InsuranceAdjusting #CFM #ANFI #NCAFPM #ASFPM #IIANC #FAIA #ExtremeWeather #SimplyFlood #FloodplainManagement #FloodRisk #FloodAwareness #Podcast #Flood #Floodplain #CFM #ANFI #NCAFPM #ASFPM #IIANC #FAIA #LargeLoss #EmergencyResponse #CommercialRestoration #WaterDamage #DesiccantDrying #DisasterRecovery #Mitigation #Teamwork #RestorationIndustry #ClaimsAdjusting #FloodInsurance #FloodClaims #NFIP #FloodDamage #InsuranceClaims #FEMA #FloodRecovery #InsuranceAgents #ClaimsAdjuster #FloodRisk Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/floodadvocate/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. Information on the topics discussed that are subject to change due to ongoing research and new discoveries, programmatic, regulatory and/or congressional change. Always consult current sources. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company or our sponsors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What Homeowners Don't Know About the Flood Claim Process
  2. Sep 22

    Flood Mitigation: What Homeowners Need to Know After a Flood

    After a flood, the clock is ticking—and the decisions you make during the first few days can affect how your claim is handled. In this episode of The Simply Flood Podcast, Lisa sits down with Craig Fowler of CNC Catastrophe and National Claims, who has more than 30 years of experience in the claims industry, to talk about one of the most important, and often misunderstood, parts of a flood claim: structural drying and mitigation. Craig explains what homeowners should know before signing a contract with a mitigation company, why documentation matters, and how drying logs can affect what gets reimbursed under a flood policy. One of the biggest takeaways? Don't wait until a flood happens to learn how your flood insurance works. Understanding your coverage and responsibilities ahead of time can make an already difficult situation much easier to navigate. Check out these resources: - FEMA Drying Bulletin https://drive.google.com/file/d/16TR5KkY0WXtI00k29GPMXsO0Por6XZED/view?usp=sharing - FIMA/FEMA Appeal Decision C26 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VGs8pThMs1KSo0QNrmS3IKRsGH0CF1dC/view?usp=sharing 🌟 And thank you to our premium sponsor, Choice Flood Insurance LLC! Check them out at https://choicefloodinsurance.com/ and schedule a consultation to learn more about how Choice can protect your home from flood. #SimplyFlood #FloodInsurance #FloodplainManagement #FloodRisk #FloodAwareness #Podcast #Flood #Floodplain #CFM #ANFI #NCAFPM #ASFPM #IIANC #FAIA #LargeLoss #EmergencyResponse #CommercialRestoration #WaterDamage #DesiccantDrying #DisasterRecovery #Mitigation #Teamwork #RestorationIndustry Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/floodadvocate/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. Information on the topics discussed that are subject to change due to ongoing research and new discoveries, programmatic, regulatory and/or congressional change. Always consult current sources. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company or our sponsors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Flood Mitigation: What Homeowners Need to Know After a Flood
  3. Sep 1

    Storm Surge, Flood History & Hidden Risk

    In this episode, Lisa Sharrard sits down with “Hurricane Hal” Needham, Extreme Weather and Disaster Scientist with GeoTrek and Founder of U-Surge, to explore what history can teach us about flood risk—and why the past may reveal dangers that maps and hurricane categories often miss. From chasing hurricanes and experiencing the eye of Hurricane Ian firsthand to building comprehensive historical storm surge data, Hal shares the personal journey that led him into the world of extreme weather and disaster science. Lisa and Hal dive into the surprising gaps in storm surge data, why hurricane category doesn't always tell the full story, lessons from Hurricane Katrina, and how historical flood records, high-water marks, old photographs, and community stories can help us better understand future risk. They also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in flood risk: just because you haven't flooded before—or you're outside a designated flood zone—doesn't mean you're safe. If you want to better understand storm surge, historical flooding, hurricane risk, and how communities can prepare for the next big event, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. 🌊 Follow Hurricane Hal's work with GeoTrek as he explores extreme weather, natural disasters, and the stories behind them, at https://www.geo-trek.com/ 🌟 Thank you to our supporting sponsor, National General! Check them out and request a quote at https://nationalgeneral.com. 🌟 And thank you to our premium sponsor, Choice Flood Insurance LLC! Check them out at https://choicefloodinsurance.com/ and schedule a consultation to learn more about how Choice can protect your home from flood. #FloodInsurance #FEMA #NFIP #FloodRisk #ExtremeWeather #FloodZone #FloodplainManagement #SimplyFlood #Floodplain #CFM #ANFI #NCAFPM #ASFPM #IIANC #FAIA Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/floodadvocate/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. Information on the topics discussed that are subject to change due to ongoing research and new discoveries, programmatic, regulatory and/or congressional change. Always consult current sources. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company or our sponsors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Storm Surge, Flood History & Hidden Risk
  4. Aug 11

    Flood Insurance Explained: FEMA’s Hidden Resource, Claims, Appeals, & Flood Risk

    What does the future of flood insurance look like? And what can we learn from the people who helped shape it? In the first episode of the Simply Flood Podcast, Lisa sits down with Dave Stearrett, former FEMA Flood Insurance Advocate, and Austin Perez of the National Association of REALTORS® to break down what homeowners, policyholders, real estate professionals, and insurance agents need to know about flood insurance. We explore: The FEMA Flood Insurance Advocate — What the office does, when to contact them, and how they can help policyholders who are frustrated or believe they haven't been treated fairly. Flood insurance claims & appeals — What to do when you disagree with a claim decision, why the formal FEMA appeals process matters, and where the Advocate’s Office fits in. Flood risk outside FEMA high-risk zones — Why being outside a mapped floodplain doesn't mean you're protected from flooding, including the risks of heavy rainfall and pluvial flooding. Why flood insurance matters — How having coverage can dramatically change the speed and financial impact of recovering from a flood. Common flood insurance myths — Does homeowners insurance cover flood? Do you really need flood insurance if you don't live near a river? What happens when you cancel your policy after paying off your mortgage? Building vs. contents coverage — Why a lender-required flood insurance policy may not provide the contents coverage you actually need. The National Association of REALTORS® and flood insurance — Austin Perez explains how NAR became involved in flood insurance reform, the controversy surrounding extremely high flood insurance rates, and the creation of the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate. Flood insurance affordability & risk — We discuss how flood insurance rates have evolved, why accurate property information matters, and the importance of understanding your property's actual flood risk. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, insurance agent, floodplain manager, or simply trying to understand flood insurance, this episode is packed with practical information from professionals who have spent decades working with the National Flood Insurance Program. Watch the full episode to learn why “low risk” doesn't mean “no risk” — and what resources are available when you need help navigating flood insurance. 🌟 Thank you to our episode sponsor, FloodProofing.com! Check them out at https://www.floodproofing.com/ for all your floodproofing design and turnkey supply services. 🌟 And thank you to our premium sponsor, Choice Flood Insurance LLC! Check them out at https://choicefloodinsurance.com/ and schedule a consultation to learn more about how Choice can protect your home from flood. #FloodInsurance #FEMA #NFIP #FloodRisk #FloodInsuranceClaims #FloodZone #FloodplainManagement #HomeownersInsurance #RealEstate #SimplyFlood #Floodplain Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/floodadvocate/ This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. Information on the topics discussed that are subject to change due to ongoing research and new discoveries, programmatic, regulatory and/or congressional change. Always consult current sources. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company or our sponsors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Flood Insurance Explained: FEMA’s Hidden Resource, Claims, Appeals, & Flood Risk

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Flood insurance doesn't have to be confusing. Welcome to The Simply Flood Podcast, where flood insurance expert Lisa Sharrard helps homeowners, homebuyers, real estate professionals, and insurance agents understand flood insurance with clear, practical advice. While many agents don't specialize in it, Lisa has spent nearly 40 years in floodplain management, FEMA programs, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and flood insurance. She breaks down complex topics into straightforward information you can actually use. New episodes are released every three weeks, covering flood insurance, policy updates, industry trends, real-world scenarios, and flood preparedness. You'll also find bonus reaction episodes whenever major flooding events or breaking industry news happen. If you're looking for trusted expertise and practical guidance, you're in the right place. Subscribe and join us. About Lisa Sharrard Lisa A. Sharrard is the founder of Choice Flood Insurance and owner of Simply Flood LLC, and has spent nearly 40 years serving the flood insurance and floodplain management industry. She has worked at every level of the profession—from state floodplain management and FEMA grant programs to training NFIP underwriters and customer service representatives, consulting with communities, and helping thousands of property owners secure the right flood coverage. Lisa is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI), Certified Public Manager (CPM), and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). Today, she specializes exclusively in flood insurance, helping consumers, adjusters, real estate professionals, and insurance agents navigate both NFIP and private flood insurance options with confidence. Her mission is to provide expert guidance, clear education, and straightforward answers so people can make informed decisions before the next flood, not after. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.