For homeowners in coastal communities, king tides are more than just an interesting natural occurrence. These unusually high tides can increase the risk of flooding, affect waterfront properties, and create unexpected challenges for homeowners, even when there’s no major storm in the forecast.
For insurance agents, king tides present an opportunity to get ahead of potential property damage by helping clients understand their exposure, prepare their homes, and review their insurance coverage before water levels rise.
While king tides are predictable, the flooding they can cause isn’t always easy to anticipate. Here’s what agents should know and how to help clients prepare for the 2026–2027 season.
What Are King Tides?
King tides are some of the highest naturally occurring tides of the year. They happen when the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun combine to produce higher-than-usual water levels. They’re often associated with spring tides, which occur around new and full moons. King tides can be especially high when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit.
Although king tides are a normal part of coastal weather patterns, they can create challenges for homeowners in low-lying areas. Water levels may rise enough to affect streets, driveways, drainage systems, and waterfront properties.
For agents working with coastal homeowners, understanding when king tides occur and the potential risks they bring can help make conversations about property protection and insurance coverage more proactive.
When Are King Tides Expected in 2026-2027?
In many U.S. coastal communities, king tides typically occur during the fall and winter months. However, timing and water levels vary by location.
For the 2026–2027 season, some expected high-tide periods include:
East Coast:
- November 24–29, 2026, with peak dates varying by region
- December 22–27, 2026, with elevated tides expected in several coastal areas
- January 22–23, 2027, particularly in parts of New England
West Coast:
- November 24–26, 2026
- December 23–25, 2026
- January 21–22, 2027
These are general regional prediction windows, not guaranteed dates for every coastal community. Agents should encourage clients to check local tide predictions for the most accurate timing and expected water levels.
NOAA Tides and Currents is a helpful resource for finding tide information by location.
It’s also worth reminding clients that king tides don’t automatically cause flooding. However, the risk increases when unusually high tides coincide with strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, or large waves. These conditions can push water levels higher than predicted and increase the potential for property damage.
How Can King Tides Affect Your Clients’ Properties?
Even without a major storm, exceptionally high tides can affect low-lying coastal neighborhoods, waterfront properties, roads, and drainage systems.
For agents, this is a good opportunity to check in with clients who live in areas with a history of coastal flooding or properties that may be particularly vulnerable to rising water levels.
Here are five practical tips you can share with clients:
1. Encourage clients to monitor local tide forecasts.
Knowing when unusually high tides are expected gives homeowners time to prepare. Encourage clients to monitor local tide predictions, weather forecasts, and coastal flood advisories, particularly when heavy rain or strong winds are expected.
2. Recommend moving valuables to higher ground.
Vehicles, outdoor furniture, tools, equipment, and other valuable belongings should be moved away from areas that are prone to flooding. Remind clients that garages, basements, and low-lying storage areas may be especially vulnerable.
3. Remind homeowners to check drainage areas.
Leaves and debris can block gutters, downspouts, and accessible storm drains, making it harder for water to drain properly. Encourage clients to clear these areas ahead of time when conditions are safe.
4. Emphasize flood safety.
Clients should never walk or drive through floodwater. Water can be deeper and move faster than it appears, and hidden debris can create additional hazards. Saltwater and floodwater can also cause significant damage to vehicles.
5. Recommend documenting property and belongings.
Encourage clients to take photos of their homes and valuable possessions before potential flooding occurs. Keeping a digital inventory can also be helpful if they need to file an insurance claim.
Swyfft Tip: Helping clients prepare for the aftermath of severe weather is just as important as helping them prepare beforehand. Share our Post-Storm Safety Tips to help clients understand what to do after a storm.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover King Tide Flooding?
This is an important coverage conversation for agents to have with clients who live in coastal areas.
In general, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, including damage caused by tidal flooding or storm surge. This type of damage typically requires a separate flood insurance policy.
However, not all damage associated with a coastal weather event is necessarily considered flood damage. For example, wind damage may be covered under a homeowners policy, depending on the policy’s terms, conditions, and applicable exclusions.
Because coverage varies, encourage clients to review their policies and speak with their insurance agent about any questions or potential coverage gaps.
For agents, the takeaway is simple: Don’t wait until a king tide or coastal flooding event is approaching to have these conversations. Proactively discussing flood exposure and helping clients understand the difference between homeowners and flood insurance can help set expectations and reduce surprises when a loss occurs.
We’re Here to Help
Even with the right preparation and coverage conversations, coastal flooding and severe weather can still result in unexpected property damage.
When clients experience a loss, having a clear path to reporting a claim can make a stressful situation a little easier.
Swyfft’s claims team is available 24/7 to help policyholders get started.
Here’s how clients can report a claim:
- Online: https://www.swyfft.com/claims
- By phone: (877) 799-3389 (available 24/7)
As an insurance partner, you can help clients feel more prepared by sharing these resources and reminding them where to turn if they experience property damage.
Share Our King Tides Guide With Your Clients
King tides are predictable, but the conditions surrounding them aren’t always easy to anticipate. A little preparation and a proactive conversation about coverage can go a long way toward helping coastal homeowners protect their properties.
Use this information as a resource when connecting with clients in coastal communities, particularly those with properties in areas prone to flooding.
At Swyfft, we’re committed to supporting our agent partners with the information and resources they need to help protect the homeowners they serve.