NFIP Underwriting Bulletin
Mandatory Use of the New FEMA Elevation Certificate
After more than a year of compiling comments and recommendations, the new FEMA Elevation Certificate form was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 1999, for comment. The paper form and electronic format were finalized in May 1999, and became available for distribution in August 1999. The mandatory use of the new certificate was originally scheduled on August 1, 1999 and was later revised to January 1, 2000, if the certification date is on or after that date.
Although the layout of new certificate has changed, the NFIP rules for determining the lowest floor for rating remain the same. The new Elevation Certificate has several new features that make it easy for the agent and underwriter to determine the correct lowest floor elevation for rating flood insurance policies. The new format requires the surveyors or engineers to provide additional building elevations, which the agent and underwriter need to properly underwrite the risk. By providing these additional elevations, the surveyors or engineers can now certify the elevation information required on the form without being familiar with the rules and regulations of the NFIP.
In a recent meeting with the Flood Insurance Producers National Committee, several members have requested that the "phase-in" period of the new Elevation Certificate on a voluntary basis be extended to allow additional training. Several inquiries were also received from WYO companies and surveyors requesting that we reconsider the effective date of the new certificate.
Based on these concerns, the Mitigation Division has reconsidered the date the new Elevation Certificate will become mandatory. The mandatory use of the new FEMA Elevation Certificate has been changed from January 1, 2000 to October 1, 2000, allowing more time for agents and others to be trained on how to complete and use the new certificate. The NFIP Direct Servicing Agent and WYO companies may accept an elevation certificate on the old FEMA form or surveyors’ or engineers’ letterhead, so long as the previously required information is provided, and the certification date is before October 1, 2000.
While the "phase-in" period has been extended, the agent and the writing company must continue to accept elevation certificates submitted on the new FEMA form to rate flood policies. This is important because there are many surveyors and engineers that are currently using the new certificate. In addition, FEMA discontinued the distribution of the old Elevation Certificate on July 31, 1999.
Because of the large number of requests to attend the new Elevation Certificate workshops, Mitigation Division will work closely with the NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent to increase the number of training sessions for the surveyors, engineers, insurance agents, floodplain managers, and the participating WYO companies. We also encourage your training staff to assist in any way they can in providing the necessary training to your agents and staff. The NFIP Bureau training staff is also available to support your training needs.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-May-2006 10:45:45 EDT