Federal flood insurance rates are on the rise, and the sharp increases from New England to Hawaii are hurting property values, residents and legislators say.
MIAMI — Sharp increases in
federal flood insurance rates are distressing coastal homeowners from Hawaii to New England and are starting to hurt property values and housing sales in areas just beginning to recover from the recession, according to residents and legislators.
Not exact matches
If you're not satisfied with the coverage limits offered by a
federal policy or if you can find reliable service at a more affordable
rate, private
flood insurance companies can be a good option.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)- Provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), this map delineates base flood elevations and flood risk zones, and is used for rating purposes for flood i
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)- Provided by FEMA (
Federal Emergency Management Agency), this map delineates base
flood elevations and
flood risk zones, and is used for
rating purposes for
flood insuranceinsurance.
The
Federal Government developed the National
Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community
Rating System (CRS) in 1990 as a program for recognizing and encouraging community
flood plain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards.
NFIP
flood insurance is purchased by homeowners through private
insurance companies, but is administered by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which sets
rates and coverage terms.
Federal officials and private - sector experts say certain increases in
insurance rates can be reduced by taking steps to lower
flood risk.
The price through the
federal flood insurance program is based on standardized
rates and depends on the home's value and whether or not it's in a
flood plain, says Don Griffin, vice president of Personal Lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.
NAR and many lawmakers in Congress are pushing for a time - out in the
federal government's efforts to eliminate
flood insurance subsidies over time and phase in premium
rates that reflect properties» actuarial risk of
flooding.
The bill also creates a
flood insurance advocate within the
Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) to investigate home owner complaints of multiple different or excessive
rate quotes.
This bicameral, bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Michael Grimm, R - N.Y., and Maxine Waters, D - Calif., and by Sens. Bob Menendez, D - N.J., and Johnny Isakson, R - Ga., would delay further implementation of major
rate changes until the
Federal Emergency Management Agency completes an affordability study required by Biggert - Waters; creates an office of the Advocate to investigate
flood insurance rate increases; and reports to Congress with proposed solutions to any identified problems.