Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is flood insurance important?

• According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, floods are the most common and destructive natural disaster in the United States. 
• 90% of natural disasters involve flooding.
• Flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards, typically caused by
  • Storm surges
  • Heavy rainfall
  • River/coastal flooding

Is my only choice for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

• No. The creation of a private market for flood insurance gives consumers more choices to properly insure their property.
• Private flood markets are rapidly expanding. Previously you could not cancel an NFIP policy in the middle of the policy period - you can now replace an NFIP policy with a private flood policy.

If I leave the NFIP, can I go back?

• Yes you can. There is a 30 day waiting period to return to the program.
• The premium will be based on current actuarial rates and revised maps.

How is private flood insurance different than the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

• Both private and NFIP flood policies offer coverage for your building and your personal property.
• Private flood insurance may offer more coverage, such as business interruption, replacement cost on contents, loss of use and coverage for other structures on your property. 
• Private flood markets may have shorter waiting periods, or no waiting period at all. 
• Private flood markets are allowed to reject risks, so not all properties qualify. 
• The NFIP is backed by the US government, where private flood markets are backed by reinsurance carriers. 

What is an elevation certificate?

• An elevation certificate is a document that details your building's elevation. Being able to produce an elevation certificate allows for property in high risk zones to be able to purchase insurance and make sure that the rate accurately affects the risk. 

If I'm with the NFIP how do I appeal a denied claim?

• According to FEMA, once an NFIP insurer issues a final claim determination, a policyholder has 60 days from the date of the decision to submit a written appeal to a claim-related action taken by the insurer, a FEMA employee, or an insurance agent. 
• As of April 4, 2016, policyholders should send written appeals of NFIP claims to: 
  • Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA)
    DHS/FEMA
    400 C Street SW., 3rd Floor
    Washington, DC 20472-3020 
• Claim appeals can also be submitted electronically to FEMA-NFIP-APPEALS@fema.dhs.gov.