NFIP Extended Until December 3, 2021
What REALTORS Need to Know About Risk Rating 2.0
The National Flood Insurance Program was extended until December 3, 2021.
This means that flood insurance policies are available through NFIP until that date.
FEMA is in the first stages of implementing a new pricing system for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies called Risk Rating 2.0. This new methodology will bring many changes to how NFIP flood policies are priced. Agents should have discussions with their clients about sellers assigning their flood insurance policies to buyers so buyers can take advantage of any premium discounts a seller currently enjoys. Each insurance company will have their own forms to assign policies.
With Risk Rating 2.0, flood hazard zones, rating tables, and elevations will no longer be the only factors used in calculating a property’s flood insurance premium. Instead, FEMA will be utilizing technology with data that incorporates pluvial flooding (drainage and urban flooding due to heavy rainfall) and other coastal risks such as erosion. Risk Rating 2.0 will also factor additional geographical variables, such as the distance to water, the type and size of nearest bodies of water, the elevation of the property relative to the flooding source, and building specifics (e.g., replacement cost). FEMA asserts that NFIP premiums calculated under Risk Rating 2.0 will reflect an individual property’s flood risk.
Louisiana REALTORS® encourages REALTORS® and their clients to contact their insurance companies to determine what their new NFIP rates will be under Risk Rating 2.0. Many property owners are finding that their flood insurance rates will increase significantly under Risk Rating 2.0 while others are finding that their rates will remain relatively the same.
REALTORS® and their clients should reach out to their trusted insurance partners to learn how these changes will affect their individual NFIP policies so informed decisions can be made going forward.
