On December 28, state Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman alerted consumers the Federal Emergency Management Agency has limited the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to issue new and renewal flood insurance policies due to the federal government partial shutdown.

UPDATE:  FEMA announced it has reversed its decision and will now sell new and renewed National Flood Insurance Policies after pressure by states, realtors and property owners.

Background

FEMA had previously announces policies that were in force before midnight on Dec. 21, 2018 remain in force, but that it would not sell new policies or renew existing policies.

The NFIP will process and pay claims under those policies as usual from the National Flood Insurance Fund and the National Flood Insurance Reserve Fund until depleting these funds, but will not have authority to borrow any additional funds from the U.S. Treasury.

Existing flood insurance policies remain valid regardless of FEMA’s capacity to pay claims.

Homeowners who live in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) with federal-government backed mortgages, and most other mortgages, are required by their lenders to have flood coverage.

“Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Purchasing flood insurance is required for some property owners and may be a wise investment for anyone regardless of their property location, and so the government shutdown could impact consumers who are in the process of closing on a home or property,” Altman said. “I advise realtors and consumers alike to be aware of the latest developments regarding the government shutdown and its impact on the NFIP.”

The NFIP provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters and businesses located in a flood zone, but flood insurance is also available to any property owner or renter, regardless of their location, through private insurers, including surplus lines insurers.

The government shutdown has no impact private flood insurance policies.

For more information on flood insurance, visit the Insurance Department’s Flood Insurance webpage.

NewsClips:

FEMA Now Says It Will Sell New, Renewed National Flood Insurance Policies

Flooding Prompts Inspection Of Stormwater Control System In Westmoreland 

Washington Blvd Floodgates to Be Functions By January In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Parking Garage That Redirects Stormwater, Welcomes Bikes

Climate Change Affecting Northeast PA

2018 One Of Wettest Years On Record In Lehigh Valley

Harrisburg Breaks 76 Year Daily Rainfall Record For Dec. 28

Trump Signs National Flood Insurance Program Extension Bill

Cost Of Natural Disasters This Year Worldwide: $155 Billion

[Posted: Dec. 28, 2018]

12/31/2018