U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
500 C Street SW 
Washington, DC 20472 


April 2006 
MEMORANDUM FOR: Flood Insurance Manual Subscribers 

FROM: David I. Maurstad 

 
Acting Director 
Mitigation Division 

SUBJECT: May 1, 2006, Flood Insurance Manual Revisions 

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is pleased to provide you with the latest updates to 
the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual. 

Your new revision pages contain all of the changes that will go into effect May 1, 2006. Changes are 
identified by a vertical bar in the margin of the amended pages, and related footers have been 
modified to reflect the May 1, 2006, effective date. 

Following are highlights of the May revisions: 

• Provides new flood insurance rates and updates the Precalculated Pre-FIRM Premium Table and 
the rating examples. (RATE, CONDO, MPPP, END sections) 
• Updates the list of NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent Regional Offices. (REF section) 
• Adds a table matching SFIP policy forms with specific residential and non-residential building 
and contents risks. (GR section) 
• Describes criteria for coverage eligibility of condominium buildings in the course of 
construction. (CONDO section) 
• Shows the NFIP’s newly revised Elevation Certificate (EC) and instructions. The new EC will be 
transitioned in through 2006. Its use will become mandatory on January 1, 2007. (CERT section) 
• Adds NFIP community numbers to the list of Approved Communities for Residential Basement 
Floodproofing Rating Credit. (CERT section) 
• Replaces the old Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures, which expired 
December 31, 2005, with the new edition. (CERT section) 
• Adds guidelines for converting a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) that no longer meets PRP 
eligibility criteria to a standard-rated policy. (PRP section) 
• Updates and expands the list of FEMA Map Service Center Products, Services, and Fees. (MAP 
section) 
• Updates the Community Rating System Eligible Communities list. (CRS section) 
The NFIP is committed to providing up-to-date information so that you can assist your customers in 
securing the best flood insurance protection available for their individual needs. 

Attachment 

www.fema.gov 


Change Record Page
Effective Date: May 1, 2006


Updates and corrections to the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual are distributed semiannually. Each 
change is highlighted by a vertical bar in the margin of the page. The effective date of each page 
is shown in the bottom right corner. Pages bearing the new effective date but no change bar simply 
indicate that text has shifted from one page to another. 

Please keep this Change Record Page in your manual for reference. 

Remove Insert 

 i-vi, xi-xv 
REF 1-6 
GR 1-12 
RATE 1-12, 49-54 
CONDO 5-31 
LFG 1-2 
CERT 1-19 
PRP 1-4 
MPPP 1-2 
END 1-2, 7-10 
REN 1-2 
CL 1-2 
MAP 1-7 
CRS 1-28 
IND 1-5 

i-vi, xi-xv 
REF 1-6 
GR 1-12 
RATE 1-12, 49-54 
CONDO 5-31 
LFG 1-2 
CERT 1-35 
PRP 1-4 
MPPP 1-2 
END 1-2, 7-10 
REN 1-2 
CL 1-2 
MAP 1-8 
CRS 1-29 
IND 1-5 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION PAGE 

REFERENCE .............................................................................................................................. REF 1 


I. INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM ................. REF 1 


II. THE WRITE YOUR OWN PROGRAM......................................................................... REF 1 


III. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ......................................................................................... REF 2 


A. WYO Companies.......................................................................................................... REF 2


B. NFIP Servicing Agent (NFIP Direct) ............................................................................. REF 2 


C. Special Direct Facility ................................................................................................... REF 2 


PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE................................................................ REF 7 


GENERAL RULES ..................................................................................................................... GR 1 


I. COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................................... GR 1 


A. Participating (Eligible) Communities............................................................................. GR 1 


B. Emergency Program..................................................................................................... GR 1 


C. Regular Program .......................................................................................................... GR 1 


D. Maps ..................................................................................................................... GR 1 


E. Probation ..................................................................................................................... GR 1 


F. Suspension...................................................................................................................GR 1


G. Non-Participating (Ineligible) Communities .................................................................. GR 1 


H. Coastal Barrier Resources Act ..................................................................................... GR 1 


I. Federal Land ................................................................................................................ GR 1 


II. POLICIES AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE................................................................... GR 1 


A. Standard Flood Insurance Policy ................................................................................. GR 1 


B. Insurance Products....................................................................................................... GR 2 


III. BUILDING PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................... GR 3 


A. Eligible Buildings .......................................................................................................... GR 3 


B. Single Building..............................................................................................................GR 4


C. Walls ..................................................................................................................... GR 5 


D. Determination of Building Occupancy .......................................................................... GR 5 


IV. CONTENTS ELIGIBILITY............................................................................................. GR 6 


A. Eligible Contents........................................................................................................... GR 6 


B. Vehicles and Equipment............................................................................................... GR 6 


C. Silos, Grain Storage Buildings, and Cisterns ............................................................... GR 6 


D. Commercial Contents Coverage .................................................................................. GR 6 


V. EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE RISKS ............................................................................... GR 6 


A. Building Coverage ........................................................................................................ GR 6 


B. Contents Coverage....................................................................................................... GR 6


C. Condominiums.............................................................................................................. GR 6 


VI. INELIGIBLE PROPERTY ............................................................................................. GR 6 


A. Buildings ..................................................................................................................... GR 6 


B. Container-Type Buildings ............................................................................................. GR 7 


C. Buildings Entirely Over Water ...................................................................................... GR 7 


D. Buildings Partially Underground ................................................................................... GR 7 


E. Basement/Elevated Building Enclosures...................................................................... GR 7 


i May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

VII. EXAMPLES OF INELIGIBLE RISKS............................................................................ GR 7 


A. Building Coverage ........................................................................................................ GR 7 


B. Contents Coverage....................................................................................................... GR 7


C. Non-Residential Condominium Unit ............................................................................. GR 7 


VIII. POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE......................................................................................... GR 8 


A. Evidence of Insurance.................................................................................................. GR 8 


B. Start of Waiting Period.................................................................................................. GR 8 


C. Effective Date ...............................................................................................................GR 8


 IX. COVERAGE ................................................................................................................. GR 10 


A. Limits of Coverage........................................................................................................ GR 10 


B. Deductibles................................................................................................................... GR 10 


C. Coverage D - Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage .................................... GR 10 


D. Reduction of Coverage Limits or Reformation ............................................................. GR 11 


X. SPECIAL RATING SITUATIONS ................................................................................. GR 11 


A. Tentative Rates ............................................................................................................ GR 11 


B. Submit-For-Rate ........................................................................................................... GR 11 


C. Provisional Rates.......................................................................................................... GR 11 


D. Buildings in More Than One Flood Zone...................................................................... GR 11 


XI. MISCELLANEOUS RULES.......................................................................................... GR 11 


A. Policy Term .......................................................................................................... GR 11 


B. Application Submission........................................................................................ GR 12 


C. Delivery of the Policy............................................................................................ GR 12 


D. Assignment........................................................................................................... GR 12 


E. Producers’ Commissions (Direct Business Only) ................................................ GR 12 


APPLICATION........................................................................................................................... APP1 


I. USE OF THE FORM .................................................................................................... APP 1 


II. TYPES OF BUILDINGS ............................................................................................... APP 1 


III. SCHEDULED BUILDING POLICY ............................................................................... APP 1 


IV. COMPLETING PART 1 OF THE FLOOD INSURANCE APPLICATION FORM ......... APP 1 


A. Policy Status................................................................................................................. APP 1 


B. Policy Term (Billing/Policy Period) ............................................................................... APP 1 


C. Agent Information ......................................................................................................... APP 2 


D. Insured Mail Address.................................................................................................... APP 2 


E. Disaster Assistance...................................................................................................... APP 2 


F. First Mortgagee ............................................................................................................ APP 2 


G. Second Mortgagee or Other......................................................................................... APP 2 


H. Property Location ........................................................................................................ APP 2 


I. Community ................................................................................................................... APP 2 


J. Building ..................................................................................................................... APP 3 


K. Contents ..................................................................................................................... APP 4 


L. Construction Data......................................................................................................... APP 4 


M. Coverage and Rating.................................................................................................... APP 6


N. Signature ..................................................................................................................... APP 6 


ii May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

V. COMPLETING PART 2 OF THE FLOOD INSURANCE APPLICATION FORM ......... APP 6 
Section I - All Building Types................................................................................................. APP 7 
Section II - Elevated Buildings............................................................................................... APP 7 
Section III - Manufactured (Mobile) Homes/Travel Trailers .................................................. APP 7 


VI. MAILING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................... APP 8 


VII. HANDLING OF INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT APPLICATIONS ............................ APP 8 


RATING ..................................................................................................................................... RATE 1 


I. AMOUNT OF INSURANCE AVAILABLE ..................................................................... RATE 1 


II. RATE TABLES ............................................................................................................. RATE 1 


III. DEDUCTIBLES ............................................................................................................ RATE 12 


A. Buy-Back Deductibles .................................................................................................. RATE 12 


B. Changes in Deductible Amount.................................................................................... RATE 12 


IV. INCREASED COST OF COMPLIANCE (ICC) COVERAGE ....................................... RATE 14 


V. RATING STEPS ........................................................................................................... RATE 15 


VI. PREMIUM CALCULATION .......................................................................................... RATE 16 


A. Emergency Program..................................................................................................... RATE 16 


B. Regular Program .......................................................................................................... RATE 16 


VII. KEY POINTS FOR RATING......................................................................................... RATE 17 


A. Basic Limits and Additional Limits ................................................................................ RATE 17 


B. Whole Dollars ............................................................................................................... RATE 17 


C. Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Premium ............................................................ RATE 17 


D. Federal Policy Fee........................................................................................................ RATE 17 


E. Buildings in More Than One Flood Zone...................................................................... RATE 17 


F. Mortgagee on Policy--Higher Deductible Requested ................................................... RATE 17 


VIII. REGULAR PROGRAM, POST-FIRM ELEVATION-RATED RISKS............................ RATE 17 


A. Elevation Difference............................................................................................. RATE 17 


B. Examples.............................................................................................................. RATE 18 


C. Optional Elevation Rating..................................................................................... RATE 19 


IX. PRE-FIRM ELEVATED BUILDING RATED AT PRE-FIRM RATES............................ RATE 19 


X. AR ZONE AND AR DUAL ZONE RATING................................................................... RATE 19 


XI. POST-FIRM AO ZONE RATING.................................................................................. RATE 19 


XII. POST-FIRM RATING OF ELEVATED BUILDINGS IN ZONES B, C, X, A99, 
AND D......................................................................................................................... RATE 19 

XIII. REGULAR PROGRAM V ZONE POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION............................... RATE 19 


A. Rating All V Zone Buildings.................................................................................. RATE 19 


B. Zones VE and V1-V30--Enclosure Containing Machinery or 
Equipment Below BFE ...................................................................................... RATE 19 

iii May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

C. 1975-81 Post-FIRM V Zone Construction .................................................................... RATE 20 


D. 1981 Post-FIRM V Zone Construction ......................................................................... RATE 20 


E. Elevated Buildings--1981 Post-FIRM V Zone Construction................................. RATE 20 


 XIV. SPECIAL RATING SITUATIONS ................................................................................. RATE 21 


A. Tentative Rates .................................................................................................... RATE 21


B. Alternative Rates.................................................................................................. RATE 21


C. Map "Grandfather" Rules--Effect of Map Revisions on Flood Insurance Rates .. RATE 21 

D. Post-’81 V Zone Optional Rating.......................................................................... RATE 23 


E. Policies Requiring Re-Rating ............................................................................... RATE 23 


F. Submit-for-Rate ............................................................................................................ RATE 23 


G. Crawl Space ................................................................................................................. RATE 24 


XV. CONTENTS LOCATION .............................................................................................. RATE 25 


A. Single Family Dwellings................................................................................................ RATE 25 


B. Multi-Family and Non-Residential Buildings................................................................. RATE 25 


XVI. FIRMS WITH WAVE HEIGHTS ................................................................................... RATE 29 


A. Procedure for Calculating Wave Height Adjustment .................................................... RATE 29 


B. Wave Heights in Numbered Zones V1-V30 and VE 1981 Post-FIRM 
Construction ....................................................................................................... RATE 29 

C. Unnumbered V Zones 1981 Post-FIRM Construction.................................................. RATE 30 


D. Rate Selection Procedure .................................................................................... RATE 30 


 XVII. FLOODPROOFED BUILDINGS................................................................................... RATE 30 


A. Elevation Difference............................................................................................. RATE 30 


B. Rating................................................................................................................... RATE 30 


XVIII.THE V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM ............................................................ RATE 31 


A. Use ..................................................................................................................... RATE 31 


B. Submission........................................................................................................... RATE 31 


XIX. RATING EXAMPLES.................................................................................................... RATE 47 


CONDOMINIUMS ..................................................................................................................... CONDO 1 


I. METHODS OF INSURING CONDOMINIUMS............................................................. CONDO 1 


A. Residential Condominium: Association Coverage on Building and Contents............. CONDO 1 


B. Residential Condominium: Unit Owner's Coverage on Building and Contents........... CONDO 1 


C. Other Residential Condominium: Condominium Association Policy, 
Association Coverage on Building and Contents ....................................................... CONDO 1 

D. Nonresidential (Commercial) Condominium: Building and Contents .......................... CONDO 2 


E. Nonresidential (Commercial) Condominium: Unit Owner's Coverage 
(Contents)........................................................................................................... CONDO 2

 II. POLICY FORM............................................................................................................. CONDO 6 


III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... CONDO 6 


A. General Building Eligibility............................................................................................ CONDO 6 


B. Condominium Building in the Course of Construction.................................................. CONDO 6 


IV. COVERAGE ................................................................................................................. CONDO 6


A. Property Covered ......................................................................................................... CONDO 6 


B. Coverage Limits............................................................................................................ CONDO 7


C. Replacement Cost and Coinsurance............................................................................ CONDO 7 


D. Assessment Coverage ................................................................................................. CONDO 7 


iv May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

V. DEDUCTIBLES AND FEES ......................................................................................... CONDO 7 


A. Deductibles................................................................................................................... CONDO 7 


B. Federal Policy Fee........................................................................................................ CONDO 8 


VI. TENTATIVE RATES AND SCHEDULED BUILDINGS ................................................ CONDO 8 


VII. COMMISSIONS (DIRECT BUSINESS ONLY)............................................................. CONDO 8 


VIII. CANCELLATION OR ENDORSEMENT OF EXISTING UNIT 
OWNERS' DWELLING POLICIES ...................................................................................... CONDO 8 

IX. APPLICATION FORM .................................................................................................. CONDO 8 


A. Type of Building............................................................................................................ CONDO 8 


B. Replacement Cost Value .................................................................................... CONDO 8 


C. Coverage ..................................................................................................................... CONDO 9 


D. Rates and Fees ............................................................................................................ CONDO 9 


X. CONDOMINIUM RATING EXAMPLES........................................................................ CONDO 23 


LOWEST FLOOR GUIDE........................................................................................................... LFG 1 


I. LOWEST FLOOR DETERMINATION.......................................................................... LFG 1 


A. Non-Elevated Buildings........................................................................................ LFG 1 


B. Elevated Buildings in A Zones ............................................................................. LFG 1 


C. Elevated Buildings in V Zones ............................................................................. LFG 2 


II. USE OF ELEVATION CERTIFICATE .......................................................................... LFG 2 


A. Mandatory Use of Elevation Certificate................................................................ LFG 2 


B. Optional Rating Using the Elevation Certificate................................................... LFG 2 


III. SPECIFIC BUILDING DRAWINGS .............................................................................. LFG 8 


SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................... CERT 1 


I. NFIP ELEVATION CERTIFICATE ............................................................................... CERT 1 


II. USING THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ................ CERT 1 
Section A - Property [Owner] Information ............................................................................. CERT 1 
Section B - Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Information.................................................. CERT 2 
Section C - Building Elevation Information (Survey Required) ............................................. CERT 2 
Section D - Surveyor, Engineer, or Architect Certification .................................................... CERT 2 
Section E - Building Elevation Information (Survey Not Required) for Zone AO and 
Zone A (Without BFE) ................................................................................................ CERT 2 
Section F - Property Owner (or Owner's Representative) Certification ................................ CERT 3 
Section G - Community Information (Optional) ..................................................................... CERT 3 


III. FLOODPROOFING CERTIFICATE ............................................................................. CERT 3 


A. Purpose and Eligibility .................................................................................................. CERT 3 


B. Specifications ...............................................................................................................CERT 3


C. Rating ..................................................................................................................... CERT 3 


D. Certification.................................................................................................................. CERT 3


v May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

PREFERRED RISK POLICY...................................................................................................... PRP 1 


I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... PRP 1 


II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... PRP 1 


A. Flood Zone ..................................................................................................................PRP 1


B. Occupancy...................................................................................................................PRP 1


C. Loss History................................................................................................................. PRP 1 


D. Exclusions ................................................................................................................... PRP 1 


III. DOCUMENTATION......................................................................................................PRP 2 


IV. RENEWAL....................................................................................................................PRP 2


 V. COVERAGE LIMITS..................................................................................................... PRP 2 


VI. REPLACEMENT COST COVERAGE .......................................................................... PRP 2 


VII. DISCOUNTS/FEES/ICC PREMIUM............................................................................. PRP 2 


VIII. DEDUCTIBLES ............................................................................................................ PRP 2 


IX. ENDORSEMENTS ....................................................................................................... PRP 2 


X. CONVERSION OF STANDARD RATED POLICY TO PRP DUE TO 
MISRATING ..................................................................................................................... PRP 2 

XI. CONVERSION OF STANDARD RATED POLICY TO PRP DUE TO 
MAP REVISION, LOMA, OR LOMR ..................................................................................... PRP 4 

XII. CONVERSION OF PRP TO STANDARD RATED POLICY ........................................ PRP 4 


XIII. COMPLETING THE FLOOD INSURANCE 
PREFERRED RISK POLICY APPLICATION........................................................................ PRP 4 

A. Policy Status......................................................................................................... PRP 4 


B. Policy Term .......................................................................................................... PRP 4


C. Agent Information................................................................................................. PRP 4 


D. Insured’s Mailing Address.................................................................................... PRP 4 


E. Disaster Assistance.............................................................................................. PRP 4 


F. First Mortgagee ............................................................................................................ PRP 4 


G. Second Mortgagee or Other................................................................................. PRP 4 


H. Property Location ................................................................................................. PRP 5 


I. Community ................................................................................................................... PRP 5 
J.Building and Contents .................................................................................................. PRP 5 


K. Notice ................................................................................................................... PRP 5 


L. Premium ..................................................................................................................... PRP 5 


M. Signature.............................................................................................................. PRP 5 


MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO PROTECTION PROGRAM ............................................................ MPPP 1 


I. BACKGROUND............................................................................................................ MPPP 1 


II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MPPP ........................................... MPPP 2 


A. General................................................................................................................. MPPP 2 


B. WYO Arrangement Article III--Fees ..................................................................... MPPP 2 


C. Use of WYO Company Fees for Lenders/Servicers or Others ............................ MPPP 2 


D. Notification............................................................................................................ MPPP 2 


E. Eligibility ............................................................................................................... MPPP 3 


F. Source of Offering ................................................................................................ MPPP 3 


G. Dual Interest......................................................................................................... MPPP 3 


H. Term of Policy ...................................................................................................... MPPP 3


vi May 1, 2006 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 

SECTION PAGE 

IV. CRS ACTIVITIES THAT CAN DIRECTLY BENEFIT INSURANCE AGENTS............. CRS 1 
ELIGIBLE COMMUNITIES.................................................................................................... CRS 2 
SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR TARGETED REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES ................... RL 1 


I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... RL 1 


II. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. RL 1 


III. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.............................................................................................. RL 1 


IV. MITIGATION................................................................................................................. RL 1 
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................. DEF 1 
INDEX ..................................................................................................................................... IND 1 


xi May 1, 2005 


LIST OF TABLES


SECTION/TABLE PAGE 

REFERENCE 

NFIP Servicing Agent Contact Information for NFIP Direct Program Agents ........................ REF 3 
NFIP General Contact Information for All NFIP Stakeholders ............................................... REF 4 
NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent Regional Offices............................................................. REF 5 


GENERAL RULES 

Matching Standard Flood Insurance Policy Forms with Specific Risks ................................ GR 2 


RATING 

Amount of Insurance Available .............................................................................................. RATE 1 
Table 1. Emergency Program Rates.................................................................................. RATE 1 
Table 2. Regular Program--Pre-FIRM Construction Rates................................................ RATE 2 
Table 3. Regular Program--Post-FIRM Construction Rates .............................................. RATE 3 
Table 4. Regular Program--FIRM Zone AR and AR Dual Zones Rates ............................ RATE 9 
Table 5. Regular Program--Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM Elevation-Rated Rates ................. RATE 10 
Table 6. Precalculated Pre-FIRM Premium Table ............................................................. RATE 11 
Table 7. Federal Policy Fee and Probation Surcharge Table............................................ RATE 12 
Table 8A. Standard Deductibles........................................................................................... RATE 12 
Table 8B. Deductible Factors ............................................................................................... RATE 13 
Table 9. Standard Flood Insurance Policy Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) 
Coverage Premiums ................................................................................................... RATE 14 
Table 10. V-Zone Risk Rating RelativitiesTable .................................................................. RATE 32 


CONDOMINIUMS 

Table 1. Condominium Underwriting Guidelines................................................................ CONDO 3 
Table 2. Condominium Rating Chart.................................................................................. CONDO 4 
Table 3. RCBAP High-Rise Condominium Rates .............................................................. CONDO 10 
Table 4. RCBAP Low-Rise Condominium Rates............................................................... CONDO 14 
Table 5. RCBAP High-Rise and Low-Rise Condominium Rates-- 
1981 Post-FIRM V1-V30, VE Zone Rates.................................................................. CONDO 19 
Table 6. RCBAP High-Rise and Low-Rise Condominium Rates-- 
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage......................................................... CONDO 21 
Table 7. RCBAP Deductible Factors – All Zones............................................................... CONDO 22 


SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS 

Approved Communities for Residential Basement Floodproofing Rating Credit ................... CERT 4 


PREFERRED RISK POLICY 

The PRP at a Glance ............................................................................................................PRP 1


PRP Coverages Available Effective May 1, 2004 ................................................................. PRP 3 


MORTGAGE PORTFOLIO PROTECTION PROGRAM 

Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program Rate and 
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Table ........................................................................ MPPP 1 

POLICY RENEWALS 

Summary of Policy Notices ................................................................................................... REN 3 


xii May 1, 2006 


LIST OF TABLES (Continued) 

SECTION/TABLE PAGE 

CANCELLATION/NULLIFICATION 

Processing Outcomes for Cancellation/Nullification of a Flood Insurance Policy.................. CN 8 


FLOOD MAPS 

MSC Products, Services, and Fees ...................................................................................... MAP 5 


COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM 

List of Communities................................................................................................................ CBRS 3 


COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM 

CRS Premium Discounts ....................................................................................................... CRS 1 
Eligible Communities.............................................................................................................. CRS 2 


xiii May 1, 2006 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS


SECTION/ILLUSTRATION PAGE 

APPLICATION 

Flood Insurance Application - Part 1 .....................................................................................APP 9 
Flood Insurance Application - Part 2 .....................................................................................APP 10 


RATING 

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form and Instructions .................................................................RATE 33 


LOWEST FLOOR GUIDE

 Lowest Floor Determination Guide.........................................................................................LFG 3


SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS

 Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate................................................................... CERT 5 
Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures...................................................... CERT 7 
Elevation Certificate and Instructions – New Edition (2/13/2006) ......................................... CERT 9 
Elevation Certificate and Instructions – Old Edition (1/1/2003)............................................. CERT 25 


PREFERRED RISK POLICY 

Flood Insurance Preferred Risk Policy Application ...............................................................PRP 6 


GENERAL CHANGE ENDORSEMENT 

Flood Insurance General Change Endorsement....................................................................END 13 


POLICY RENEWALS

 Renewal Notice ..................................................................................................................... REN 4 
Final Notice ..................................................................................................................... REN 6 
Credit Card Payment Form ................................................................................................... REN 8 


CANCELLATION/NULLIFICATION 

Flood Insurance Cancellation/Nullification Request Form .....................................................CN 9


POLICY 

Standard Flood Insurance Policy - Dwelling Form................................................................ POL 3 
Standard Flood Insurance Policy - General Property Form .................................................. POL 23 
Standard Flood Insurance Policy - Residential Condominium Building Association 
Policy.................................................................................................................................. POL 43 

FLOOD MAPS 

Sample Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) .......................................................................... MAP 7
Sample Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) ..................................................................... MAP 8 


xiv May 1, 2006 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (Continued) 

SECTION/ILLUSTRATION PAGE 

PROVISIONAL RATING 

 Provisional Rating Questionnaire.......................................................................................... PR 3


Sample Notice to Accompany Provisionally Rated Policies.................................................. PR 5 


SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR TARGETED REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES 

Agent’s 90-Day Notification Letter......................................................................................... RL 2 


Policyholder’s 90-Day Notification Letter .............................................................................. RL 4 


xv May 1, 2005 


REFERENCE


I. INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL 
FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM 
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
was established by the National Flood Insurance 
Act of 1968. The Act was in response to 
Congress finding that: 

• Flooding disasters required unforeseen 
disaster relief and placed an increased 
burden on the nation's resources. 
• The installation of flood preventive and 
protective measures and other public 
programs designed to reduce losses caused 
by flood damage had not been sufficient to 
adequately protect against the growing 
exposure to flood losses as a matter of 
national policy. A reasonable method of 
slowing the risk of flood losses would be 
through a program of flood insurance that 
could complement and encourage 
preventive and protective measures. 
• Many factors made it uneconomical for the 
private insurance industry carriers to make 
flood insurance available to those in need of 
such protection on reasonable terms and 
conditions. 
• A program of flood insurance with large-
scale participation of the federal government 
and the maximum extent practicable by the 
private industry was feasible and could be 
initiated. 
Congress stated that the purpose in passing the 
Act was to: 

• Authorize a flood insurance program that, 
over time, could be made available on a 
nationwide basis through the cooperative 
effort of the federal government and the 
private insurance industry. 
• Provide flexibility in the program so that 
such flood insurance would be based on 
workable methods of pooling risks, 
minimizing costs, and distributing burdens 
equitably among the general public and 
those who would be protected by flood 
insurance. 
• Encourage state and local governments to 
use wisely the lands under their jurisdictions 
by considering the hazard of flood when 
rendering decisions on the future use of 
such land, thus minimizing damage caused 
by flooding. 
From 1968 until 1979, the NFIP was 
administered by the U.S. Department of Housing 
and Urban Development. When the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was 
established in 1979, administration of the NFIP 
was transferred to that agency. In March 2003, 
FEMA became part of the newly created U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security. 

The NFIP is a program in which communities 
formally agree, as evidenced by their adoption of 
codes and ordinances, to regulate the use of their 
flood-prone lands. In return, FEMA makes flood 
insurance coverage available on buildings and 
their contents throughout the community. FEMA 
has traditionally identified these flood hazard 
areas on maps, which are provided to 
communities for carrying out their responsibilities. 
The maps are also used by insurance producers 
to determine rates and by lenders to determine 
purchase requirements. 

II. THE WRITE YOUR OWN PROGRAM 
The Write Your Own (WYO) Program, begun in 
1983, is a cooperative undertaking of FEMA and 
the private insurance industry. The WYO 
Program operates within the context of the NFIP 
and is subject to its rules and regulations. WYO 
allows participating property and casualty 
insurance companies to write and service federal 
flood insurance in their own names. The 
companies receive an expense allowance for 
policies written and claims processed while the 
federal government retains responsibility for 
under-writing losses. Individual WYO 
Companies may, to the extent possible, and 
consistent with Program rules and regulations, 
conform their flood business to their normal 
business practices for other lines of insurance. 
Many producers have elected to move or place 
their flood policies with one or more of the WYO 
Companies they represent. 

In brief, the producer has the following options: 

• Place all business with one or more WYO 
Companies; 
• Place business with both the NFIP directly 
and with one or more WYO Companies; or 
• Continue to place all flood insurance directly 
with the NFIP (referred to as "NFIP direct 
business"). 
REF 1 May 1, 2005 


The goals of the Program are to increase the 
policy base, improve services, and involve the 
insurance companies. 

III. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
In order to provide the most efficient service to 
policyholders, follow these procedures when 
requesting technical assistance in connection 
with the sale and servicing of Standard Flood 
Insurance Policies. It is essential that all 
parties—WYO companies, the National Flood 
Insurance Program’s Bureau and Statistical 
Agent, the NFIP Servicing Agent, insurance 
agents and adjusters—comply. 

A. WYO Companies 
Agents and adjusters servicing flood insurance 
business through one of the Write Your Own 
(WYO) companies should direct questions and 
requests for technical assistance to the WYO 
Company itself. If the WYO Company needs 
technical assistance, then it will contact its 
Business Analyst (formerly called Program 

Coordinator) at the NFIP’s Bureau and Statistical 
Agent. If the Business Analyst, with the 
assistance of technical experts at the Bureau, 
cannot provide the needed assistance, the 
Bureau will direct the inquiry to FEMA for an 
answer. 

B. NFIP Servicing Agent (NFIP Direct) 
Agents and adjusters servicing flood insurance 
business through the NFIP Servicing Agent 
should contact the NFIP Servicing Agent for the 
answer to technical questions or the resolution of 
technical problems connected with the NFIP. If 
the NFIP Servicing Agent cannot provide the 
needed assistance, it will contact FEMA for an 
answer. 

C. Special Direct Facility 
Agents and adjusters serving flood insurance 
policies identified as targeted repetitive loss 
properties should contact the Special Direct 
Facility established by the NFIP Servicing Agent 
for technical assistance. See the Repetitive Loss 
section of this manual for more information. 

REF 2 May 1, 2006 


NFIP SERVICING AGENT CONTACT INFORMATION 
FOR NFIP DIRECT PROGRAM AGENTS


The contact information below is for use only by agents/producers who write with the NFIP Direct Program— 
that is, the NFIP Servicing Agent. 

Agents/producers who write with the NFIP Write Your Own (WYO) Program must submit materials and 
questions to their WYO Companies. 

CORRESPONDENCE TYPE MAILING ADDRESS 
TELEPHONE & FAX 
NUMBERS* 
Applications (not Submit-for 
Rate) 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
P.O. Box 29138 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-9138 
Phone 1-800-638-6620 
Fax 1-800-742-3148 
Endorsements 
Cancellations 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
P.O. Box 2992 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1392 
Phone 1-800-638-6620 
Fax 1-800-742-3148 
Submit-for-Rate Applications 
(See pages RATE 23-24) 
Underpayment Letters 
Underwriting Inquiries and 
Issues 
All Other Inquiries 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
P.O. Box 2965 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1365 
Phone 1-800-638-6620 
Fax 1-800-742-3148 
Targeted Repetitive Loss 
Properties 
NFIP Special Direct Facility 
P.O. Box 29524 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-5524 
Phone 1-800-638-6620 
Fax 1-800-742-3148 
Renewal Notices (with 
premium payments) 
Expiration Notices (with 
premium payments) 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
P.O. Box 105656 
Atlanta, GA 30348-5656 
Phone 1-800-638-6620 
Fax 1-800-742-3148 
Notices of Loss 
Written Claims Inquiries 
All Other Claims 
Correspondence 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
P.O. Box 2966 
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1366 
Phone 1-800-767-4341 
Fax 1-800-767-5574 
Overnight Express Deliveries 
Certified Mail 
NFIP Servicing Agent 
C/o Covansys 
13401 W. 98th St. 
Lenexa, KS 66215 
N/A 

*Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-447-9487 

REF 3 May 1, 2005 


NFIP GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION 
FOR ALL NFIP STAKEHOLDERS 


TOPIC 
MAILING/WEBSITE 
ADDRESSES 
TELEPHONE & FAX 
NUMBERS* 
CBRS Areas - Map Panel Listing www.fema.gov/nfip N/A 
Community Status Book FEMA Map Service Center 
P.O. Box 1038 
Jessup, MD 20794-1038 
www.fema.gov/nfip 
Phone 1-800-358-9616 
Fax 1-800-358-9620 
NFIP Marketing & Advertising www.floodsmart.gov N/A 
Flood Insurance Manual & 
Producer’s Edition 
FEMA Map Service Center 
P.O. Box 1038 
Jessup, MD 20794-1038 
www.fema.gov/nfip 
Phone 1-800-358-9616 
Fax 1-800-358-9620 
Flood Zone Determination Companies 
(list) 
www.fema.gov/nfip N/A 
Agent Referral Program 
Sign-up Form 
www.floodsmart.gov/agent Phone 1-888-786-7693 
Maps and Q3 Data FEMA Map Service Center 
P.O. Box 1038 
Jessup, MD 20794-1038 
http://msc.fema.gov 
Phone 1-800-358-9616 
Fax 1-800-358-9620 
Rating Software Information (list) www.fema.gov/nfip N/A 
Supply Order Forms 
Claims & Underwriting 
Public Awareness Materials 
FEMA Distribution Center 
P.O. Box 2012 
Jessup, MD 20794-2012 
Phone 1-800-480-2520 
Fax 1-301-362-5335 
Training on Flood Insurance www.fema.gov/nfip Your NFIP Regional Office 
(See list on following 
pages.) 
Write Your Own (WYO) Companies 
(list) 
www.fema.gov/nfip Phone 1-800-480-2520 
for Item 073, “The Choice 
Is Yours” 

*Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-447-9487 

REF 4 May 1, 2006 


NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
BUREAU AND STATISTICAL AGENT


 REGIONAL OFFICES


The National Flood Insurance Program's Bureau and Statistical Agent operates a network of regional offices 
within the continental United States. 

The primary function of the regional offices is lender and producer training through workshops and individual 
visits. Other services provided by the regional offices are similar to those provided by an insurance company 
field office. 

The regional offices do not handle processing, nor do they have policy files at their locations. 

However, the regional staff may be able to assist with problems and answer questions of a general nature. 

For offices that have moved, some contact information remained to be determined 
(TBD) as the May 1, 2006, revisions to this manual were being finalized. The latest 
contact information for both NFIP Bureau & Statistical Agent and FEMA regional 
offices is available at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/reg.shtm. 

NFIP BUREAU AND 
STATISTICAL AGENT 
REGIONAL OFFICES 

Region I 

Suite 200 
140 Wood Road 
Braintree, MA 02184-2513 
Phone: 781-848-1908 
Fax: 781-356-4142 

Region II 

NFIP Region II Office 
C/o CSC 
304 West Route 38 
Moorestown, NJ 08057-3212 
Phone: TBD 
Fax: TBD 

Region III 

NFIP Region III Office 
C/o CSC 
304 West Route 38 
Moorestown, NJ 08057-3212 
Phone: 856-489-4003 
Fax: 856-751-2817 

Region IV – Atlanta Office 

P.O. Box 2706 
Suwanee, GA 30024-0984 
Phone: 770-887-6865 
Fax: TBD 
Region IV – Tampa Office 

P.O. Box 1046 
Zephyrhills, FL 33539-1046 
Phone: 813-779-9642 
Fax: 813-779-3085 
NFIP BUREAU AND 
STATISTICAL AGENT 
REGIONAL STAFF 

Thomas Gann
Territorial Manager 


[Vacant] 
Regional Manager 


Richard Sobota, CPCU 
Regional Manager 


Roger Widdifield 
Territorial Manager 


Lynne Magel 
Program Specialist 

SERVICE 
AREA 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, 
Vermont 

New Jersey, New York 

Delaware, District of Columbia, 
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 
West Virginia 

Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South 
Carolina, Tennessee 

Florida 

 REF 5 May 1, 2006 


NFIP BUREAU AND NFIP BUREAU AND 
STATISTICAL AGENT STATISTICAL AGENT SERVICE 
REGIONAL OFFICES REGIONAL STAFF AREA 
Region V Richard Slevin Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Suite 123 Regional Manager Ohio, Wisconsin 
18008 Wolf Road 
Orland Park, IL 60467-5407 
Phone: 708-326-3072 
Fax: 708-326-3074 
Region VI [Vacant] Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, 
Suite 108 Regional Manager Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virgin 
15835 Park Ten Place Islands 
Houston, TX 77084-5131 
Phone: 281-829-6880 
Fax: 281-829-6879 
Region VII 
Suite 3 
Dean Ownby, CPCU 
Territorial Manager 
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska 
401 South Main Street 
Ottawa, KS 66067-2300 
Phone: 913-780-4238 
Fax: 913-780-4368 
Region VIII 
3440 Youngfield Street 
Norman Ashford, CPCU 
Territorial Manager 
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, 
South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming 
P.O. Box 186 
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-5245 
Phone: 303-275-3475 
Fax: 303-275-3471 
Region IX 
Suite 103 
[Vacant] 
Regional Manager 
Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, 
Nevada 
1532 Eureka Road 
Roseville, CA 95661-3054 
Phone: 916-780-7889 
Fax: 916-780-7905 
Region X Leslie Melville Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington 
P.O. Box 602 Regional Manager 
Bothell, WA 98041-0602 
Phone: 425-482-0316 
Fax: TBD 

 REF 6 May 1, 2006 


GENERAL RULES


I. COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY 
A. Participating (Eligible) Communities 
Flood insurance may be written only in those 
communities that have been designated as 
participating in the National Flood Insurance 
Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA). 

B. Emergency Program 
The Emergency Program is the initial phase of a 
community's participation in the NFIP. Limited 
amounts of coverage are available. 

C. Regular Program 
The Regular Program is the final phase of a 
community's participation in the NFIP. In this 
phase, a Flood Insurance Rate Map is in effect 
and full limits of coverage are available. 

D. Maps 
Maps of participating communities indicate the 
degree of flood hazard so that actuarial premium 
rates can be assigned for insurance coverage on 
properties at risk. 

1. Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) - 
Usually the initial map of a community. 
Some communities entering the Regular 
Program will continue to use FHBMs 
renamed a Flood Insurance Rate Map 
(FIRM), if there is a minimum flood hazard. 
2. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) - The 
official map of the community containing 
detailed actuarial risk premium zones. 
3. Rescission - Participating communities in 
the Emergency Program remain in the 
Emergency Program if an FHBM is 
rescinded. 
E. Probation 
Probation, imposed by the FEMA Regional 
Director, occurs as a result of noncompliance with 
NFIP floodplain management criteria. A 
community is placed on probation for 1 year (may 
be extended), during which time a $50 surcharge 
is applied to all NFIP policies, including the 
Preferred Risk Policy, issued on or after the 
Probation Surcharge effective date. Probation is 

terminated if deficiencies are corrected. However, 
if a community does not take remedial or 
corrective measures while on probation, it can be 
suspended. 

F. Suspension 
Flood insurance may not be sold or renewed in 
communities that are suspended from the NFIP. 
When a community is suspended, coverage 
remains in effect until expiration. These policies 
cannot be renewed. 

G. Non-Participating (Ineligible) Communities 
When FEMA provides a non-participating 
community with a Flood Hazard Boundary Map 
(FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 
delineating its flood-prone areas, the community 
is allowed 1 year in which to join the NFIP. If the 
community chooses not to participate in the NFIP, 
flood insurance is not available. 

H. Coastal Barrier Resources Act 
Flood insurance may not be available for 
buildings and/or contents located in coastal 
barriers or otherwise protected areas. See the 
Coastal Barrier Resources System section for 
additional information. 

I. Federal Land 
Buildings and/or contents located on land owned 
by the federal government are eligible for flood 
insurance if the federal agency having control of 
the land has met floodplain management 
requirements. All federal land is recorded under 
the local community number even if that local 
community does not have jurisdiction. 

II. POLICIES AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE 
A. Standard Flood Insurance Policy 
The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) 
consists of the Dwelling Form, the General 
Property Form, and the Residential Condominium 
Building Association Policy (RCBAP) Form. The 
three SFIP forms are reproduced in the Policy 
section of this manual. 

The table on the next page shows how agents 
can use the three SFIP forms to insure a variety 
of residential and non-residential building and 
contents risks. 

GR 1 May 1, 2006 


Matching Standard Flood Insurance Policy Forms 
with Specific Risks 

SFIP POLICY FORM ELIGIBILITY 
Dwelling Form 
Issued to homeowner, 
residential renter, or owner 
of residential building 
containing two to four units. 
In NFIP Regular Program community or Emergency Program community, provides 
building and/or contents coverage for: 
. Detached, single-family, non-condominium residence with incidental occupancy 
limited to less than 50% of the total floor area; 
. Two- to four-family, non-condominium building with incidental occupancy limited to 
less than 25% of the total floor area; 
. Dwelling unit in residential condominium building; 
.. Residential townhouse/rowhouse. 
General Property Form 
Issued to owner of 
residential building with five 
or more units. 
Issued to owner or lessee of 
non-residential building or 
unit. 
In NFIP Regular Program community or Emergency Program community, provides 
building and/or contents coverage for these and similar “other residential” risks: 
. Hotel or motel with normal guest occupancy of 6 months or more; 
. Tourist home or rooming house with five or more lodgers; 
.. Apartment building; 
. Residential cooperative building; 
.. Dormitory; 
.. Assisted-living facility. 
In NFIP Regular Program community or Emergency Program community, provides 
building coverage and/or contents coverage for these and similar non-residential 
risks: 
. Hotel or motel with normal guest occupancy of less than 6 months; 
.. Licensed bed-and-breakfast inn; 
. Retail shop, restaurant, or other business; 
.. Mercantile building; 
. Grain bin, silo, or other farm building; 
. Agricultural or industrial processing facility; 
.. Factory; 
.. Warehouse; 
. Poolhouse, clubhouse, or other recreational building; 
.. House of worship; 
.. School; 
.. Nursing home; 
.. Non-residential condominium; 
. Condominium building with less than 75% of its total floor area in residential use; 
.. Detached garage; 
.. Tool shed; 
. Stock, inventory, or other commercial contents. 
Residential Condominium 
Building Association 
Policy (RCBAP) 
Issued to residential 
condominium association on 
behalf of association and 
unit owners. 
In NFIP Regular Program community only, provides building coverage and, if 
desired, coverage of commonly owned contents for residential condominium 
building with 75% or more of its total floor area in residential use. 

B. Insurance Products 
1. Preferred Risk Policy 
The Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) is available 
in moderate-risk flood zones B, C, and X. 
Formerly, only single-family and two- to four-
family dwellings were eligible for coverage. 
Effective May 1, 2004, other residential and 
non-residential buildings became eligible for 

coverage. For information about specific 
eligibility requirements and other changes in 
the Preferred Risk Policy, see the PRP 
section of this manual. 

2. Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program 
(MPPP) 
The Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program 
(MPPP) offers a force-placed policy available 
only through a Write Your Own Company. 

GR 2 May 1, 2006 


3. Scheduled Building Policy 
The Scheduled Building Policy is available 
to cover 2 to 10 buildings. The policy 
requires a specific amount of insurance to 
be designated for each building. To qualify, 
all buildings must have the same ownership 
and the same location. The properties on 
which the buildings are located must be 
contiguous. 

4. Group Flood Insurance 
Group Flood Insurance is issued by the 
NFIP Direct Program in response to a 
Presidential disaster declaration. Disaster 
assistance applicants, in exchange for a 
modest premium, receive a minimum 
amount of building and/or contents coverage 
for a 3-year policy period. An applicant may 
cancel the group policy at any time and 
secure a regular Standard Flood Insurance 
Policy through the NFIP. 

III. BUILDING PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY 
A. Eligible Buildings 
Insurance may be written only on a structure with 
two or more outside rigid walls and a fully 
secured roof that is affixed to a permanent site. 
Buildings must resist flotation, collapse, and 
lateral movement. At least 51 percent of the 
actual cash value of buildings, including 
machinery and equipment, which are a part of the 
buildings, must be above ground level, unless the 
lowest level is at or above the Base Flood 
Elevation (BFE) and is below ground by reason of 
earth having been used as insulation material in 
conjunction with energy-efficient building 
techniques. 

1. Appurtenant Structures 
The only appurtenant structure covered by 
the SFIP is a detached garage at the 
described location, which is covered under 
the Dwelling Form. Coverage is limited to 
no more than 10 percent of the limit of 
liability on the dwelling. Use of this 
insurance is at the policyholder’s option but 
reduces the building limit of liability. The 
SFIP does not cover any detached garage 
used or held for use for residential (i.e., 
dwelling), business, or farming purposes. 

2. Manufactured (Mobile) Homes/Travel 
Trailers 
Eligible buildings also include: 

• A manufactured home (a “manufactured home,” also known as a 
GR 3 

mobile home, is a structure built on a 
permanent chassis, transported to its 
site in one or more sections, and 
affixed to a permanent foundation); or 

• A travel trailer without wheels, built on 
a chassis and affixed to a permanent 
foundation, that is regulated under the 
community’s floodplain management 
and building ordinances or laws. 
NOTE: All references in this 
manual to manufactured 
(mobile) homes include travel trailers without wheels. 

a. Manufactured (Mobile) Homes -New 
Policies Effective on or After October 1, 
1982 
To be insurable under the NFIP, a 
mobile home: 

• Must be affixed to a permanent 
foundation. A permanent foundation for a manufactured (mobile) 
home may be poured masonry slab 
or foundation walls, or may be 
piers or block supports, either of 
which support the mobile home so 
that no weight is supported by the 
wheels and axles of the mobile 
home. 
• Must be anchored if located in a 
Special Flood Hazard area. For 
flood insurance coverage, all new 
policies and subsequent renewals 
of those policies must be based 
upon the specific anchoring 
requirements identified below: 
A manufactured (mobile) home 
located within a Special Flood 
Hazard Area must be anchored to a 
permanent foundation to resist 
flotation, collapse, or lateral 
movement by providing over-the-top 
or frame ties to ground anchors; or 
in accordance with manufacturer’s 
specifications; or in compliance with 
the community’s floodplain management requirements. 

b. Manufactured (Mobile) Homes -
Continuously Insured Since September 
30, 1982 
All manufactured (mobile) homes on a 
foundation continuously insured since 
September 30, 1982, can be renewed 
under the previously existing require-

May 1, 2006 


ments if affixed to a permanent 
foundation. 

Manufactured (mobile) homes in 
compliance with the foundation and 
anchoring requirements at the time of 
placement may continue to be renewed 
under these requirements even though 
the requirements are more stringent at a 
later date. 

To be adequately anchored, the 
manufactured (mobile) home is 
attached to the foundation support 
system, which in turn is established 
(stabilized) into the ground, sufficiently 
to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral 
movement caused by flood forces, 
including wind forces in coastal areas. 

3. Silos and Grain Storage Buildings 
4. Cisterns 
5. Buildings Entirely Over Water - Constructed 
or Substantially Improved Before October 1, 
1982 
Follow "submit for rate" instructions in the 
Rating section for insurance on Post-FIRM 
buildings located entirely in, on, or over 
water or seaward of mean high tide for these 
buildings. Pre-FIRM buildings constructed 
before October 1, 1982, are eligible for 
normal Pre-FIRM rates. 

If the building's start of construction occurred 
on or after October 1, 1982, the building is 
ineligible for coverage. 

6. Buildings Partially Over Water 
Follow “submit for rate” instructions in the 
Rating section for buildings partially over 
water. However, Pre-FIRM buildings are 
eligible for normal Pre-FIRM rates. 

7. Boathouses Located Partially Over Water 
The non-boathouse parts of a building into 
which boats are floated are eligible for 
coverage if the building is partly over land 
and also used for residential, commercial, or 
municipal purposes and is eligible for flood 
coverage. The area above the boathouse 
used for purposes unrelated to the 
boathouse use (e.g., residential occupancy) 
is insurable from the floor joists to the roof 
including walls. A common wall between the 

boathouse area and the other part of the 
building is insurable. The following items are 
not covered: 
a. The ceiling and roof over the 
boathouse portions of the building into 
which boats are floated. 
b. Floors, walkways, decking, etc., within 
the boathouse area, or outside the 
area, but pertaining to boathouse use. 
c. Exterior walls and doors of the 
boathouse area not common to the rest 
of the building. 
d. Interior walls and coverings within the 
boathouse area. 
e. Contents located within the boathouse 
area, including furnishings and 
equipment, relating to the operation 
and storage of boats and other 
boathouse uses. 
The Flood Insurance Application form with 
photographs, but without premium, must be 
submitted to the NFIP for premium 
determination. No coverage becomes 
effective until the NFIP approves the 
insurance application, determines the rate, 
and receives the premium. However, 
buildings in existence prior to October 1, 
1982, may continue to be rated using the 
published rate. 
8. Buildings in the Course of Construction 
Buildings in the course of construction that 
have yet to be walled and roofed are eligible 
for coverage except when construction has 
been halted for more than 90 days and/or if 
the lowest floor used for rating purposes is 
below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). 
Materials or supplies intended for use in 
such construction, alteration, or repair are 
not insurable unless they are contained 
within an enclosed building on the premises 
or adjacent to the premises. 
To determine the eligibility of a residential 
condominium building under construction, 
see page CONDO 6 in this manual. 
9. Repetitive Loss Target Group Properties 
These must be processed by the NFIP 
Special Direct Facility. See the Repetitive 
Loss section of this manual for information. 
GR 4 May 1, 2006 


B. Single Building 
To qualify as a single building structure and be 
subject to the single building limits of coverage, a 
building must be separated from other buildings 
by intervening clear space or solid, vertical, load-
bearing division walls. 

A building separated into divisions by solid, 
vertical, load-bearing walls from its lowest level to 
its highest ceiling may have each division insured 
as a separate building. A solid load-bearing 
interior wall cannot have any openings and must 
not provide access from one building or room into 
another (partial walls). If access is available 
through a doorway or opening, then the structure 
must be insured as one building. 

Flood insurance for a unit of a multiple-unit 
complex may be written as a single-building 
policy, provided that: the unit is self contained; it 
is a separately titled unit contiguous to the 
ground; it has a separate legal description; and it 
is regarded as a separate property for other real 
estate purposes, meaning that it has most of its 
own utilities and may be deeded, conveyed, and 
taxed separately. 

Additions and Extensions 

The NFIP insures additions and extensions 
attached to and in contact with the building by 
means of a rigid exterior wall, a solid load-bearing 
interior wall, a stairway, an elevated walkway, or 
a roof. At the insured’s option, additions and 
extensions connected by any of these methods 
may be separately insured. Additions and 
extensions attached to and in contact with the 
building by means of a common interior wall that 
is not a solid load-bearing wall are always 
considered part of the building and cannot be 
separately insured. 

C. Walls 
1. Breakaway Walls 
For an enclosure's wall to qualify as 
breakaway, it must meet all of the following 
criteria: 

a. Above ground level; and 
b. Below the elevated floor of an elevated 
structure; and 
c. Non-structurally supporting (non-loadbearing walls); and 
d. Designed to fail under certain wave 
force conditions; and 
e. Designed so that, as a result of failure, it 
causes no damage to the elevated 
portions of the elevated building and/or 
its supporting foundation system. 
2. Shear Walls 
Shear walls are used for structural support, 
but are not structurally joined or enclosed at 
the ends (except by breakaway walls). 
Shear walls are parallel (or nearly parallel) 
to the flow of the water and can be used in 
any zone. 

3. Solid Perimeter Foundation Walls 
Solid perimeter foundation walls are used as 
a means of elevating the building in A Zones 
and must contain proper openings to allow 
for the unimpeded flow of floodwaters more 
than 1 foot deep. 

Solid perimeter foundation walls are not an 
acceptable means of elevating buildings in 
V/VE Zones. 

D. Determination of Building Occupancy 
The following terms should be used to determine 
the appropriate occupancy classification: 

1. Single Family Dwellings 
These are non-condominium residential 
buildings designed for principal use as a 
dwelling place for one family, or a single-
family dwelling unit in a condominium 
building. Residential single family dwellings 
are permitted incidental occupancies, 
including structures with office, professional, 
private school, or studio occupancies, 
including a small service operation, if such 
occupancies are limited to less than 50 
percent of the building's total floor area. 

2. 2-4 Family Dwellings 
These are non-condominium residential 
buildings designed for principal use as a 
dwelling place of two to four families. 
Residential buildings, excluding hotels and 
motels with normal room rentals for less than 
6 months' duration and containing no more 
than 4 dwelling units, are permitted incidental 
occupancies (see D.1 above). The total area 
of incidental occupancy is limited to less than 

 GR 5 May 1, 2006 


25 percent of the total floor area within the V. EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE RISKS 
building.


Since the question of coverage eligibility has 

3. Other Residential Buildings frequently been raised, examples of eligible risks 
are provided below. 
These include hotels or motels where the 
normal occupancy of a guest is 6 months or A. Building Coverage 
more, or a tourist home or rooming house 
which has more than four roomers. This also 1. Cooperative Building--Entire Building in 
includes residential buildings, excluding Name of Cooperative (General Property 
hotels and motels with normal room rentals Form) 

for less than 6 months' duration and Cooperative buildings where at least 75 
containing more than four dwelling units. percent of the area of the building is used for 
These buildings are permitted incidental residential purposes are considered as 
occupancies (see D.1 above). The total area residential occupancies, and can be insured 
of incidental occupancy is limited to less than for a maximum building coverage of 
25 percent of the total floor area within the $250,000 in a Regular Program community 

building. Examples of other residential under the General Property Form. Since they 
buildings include dormitories and assisted are not in the condominium form of 
living facilities. ownership, they cannot be insured under the 
RCBAP.

4. Non-Residential Buildings 
2. Time Sharing Building--Entire Building in 
This category includes all other eligible Name of Corporation (General Property 
occupancies (e.g., garages, poolhouses, Form) 
recreational buildings, agricultural buildings, 
licensed bed and breakfasts, nursing Timeshare buildings not in the condominium 
homes, etc.). form of ownership where at least 75 percent 

of the area of the building is used for 

IV. CONTENTS ELIGIBILITY residential purposes are considered as 
residential occupancies under the NFIP, and 
A. Eligible Contents can be insured for a maximum building 
Contents must be located in a fully enclosed 
coverage of $250,000 under the General 
building or secured to prevent flotation out of the 
Property Form. 
building. Timeshare buildings in the condominium form 

of ownership are eligible for coverage and

B. Vehicles and Equipment must be insured under the RCBAP. These 
The NFIP covers self-propelled vehicles or buildings are subject to the same eligibility, 
machines, provided they are not licensed for use rating, and coverage requirements as other 

on public roads and are: condominiums, including the requirement that 
75 percent of the area of the building be used 

1. Used mainly to service the described for residential purposes. 
location; or B. Contents Coverage 
2. Designed and used to assist handicapped Parts and equipment as open stock—not part of 
persons; specific vehicle or motorized equipment—are 
eligible for coverage. 
while the vehicles or machines are inside a 
building at the described location. C. Condominiums 

C. Silos, Grain Storage Buildings, and Refer to pages CONDO 3-5. 
Cisterns 
VI. INELIGIBLE PROPERTY 
Contents located in silos, grain storage buildings, 
and cisterns are insurable. A. Buildings 


D. Commercial Contents Coverage Coverage may not be available for buildings that 
are constructed or altered in such a way as to 
Commercial contents in a residential property place them in violation of state or local floodplain 
must be insured on the General Property Form. management laws, regulations, or ordinances. 

 GR 6 May 1, 2006 


Contents and personal property contained in 
these buildings are ineligible for coverage. 

For example, section 1316 of the National Flood 
Insurance Act of 1968 allows the states to declare 
a structure to be in violation of a law, regulation, 
or ordinance. Flood insurance is not available 
for properties that are placed on the 1316 
Property List. Insurance availability is restored 
once the violation is corrected and the 1316 
Declaration has been rescinded. 

B. Container-Type Buildings 
Gas and liquid tanks, chemical or reactor 
container tanks or enclosures, brick kilns, and 
similar units, and their contents are ineligible for 
coverage. 

C. Buildings Entirely Over Water 
Buildings newly constructed or substantially 
improved on or after October 1, 1982, and 
located entirely in, on, or over water or seaward 
of mean high tide are ineligible for coverage. 

D. Buildings Partially Underground 
If 50 percent or more of the building's actual cash 
value, including the machinery and equipment, 
which are part of the building, is below 
ground level, the building or units and their 
contents are ineligible for coverage unless the 
lowest level is at or above the BFE and is below 
ground by reason of earth having been used as 
insulation material in conjunction with energy 
efficient building techniques. 

E. Basement/Elevated Building Enclosures 
Certain specific property in basements and under 
elevated floors of buildings is excluded from 
coverage. See the policy contract for specific 
information. 

VII. EXAMPLES OF INELIGIBLE RISKS 
Some specific examples of ineligible risks are 
provided below. See the policy for a definitive 
listing of property not covered. 

A. Building Coverage 
1. Boat Repair Dock 
2. Boat Storage Over Water 
3. Boathouses (exceptions on page GR 4) 
4. Camper 
5. Cooperative Unit Within Cooperative 
Building 
6. Decks (except for steps and landing; 
maximum landing area of 16 sq. ft.) 
7. Drive-In Bank Teller Unit (located outside 
walls of building) 
8. Fuel Pump 
9. Gazebo (unless it qualifies as a building) 
10. Greenhouse (unless it has at least two rigid 
walls and a roof) 
11. Hot tub or spa (unless it is installed as a 
bathroom fixture) 
12. Open Stadium 
13. Pavilion (unless it qualifies as a building) 
14. Pole Barn (unless it qualifies as a building) 
15. Pumping Station (unless it qualifies as a 
building) 
16. Storage Tank--Gasoline, Water, Chemicals, 
Sugar, etc. 
17. Swimming Pool Bubble 
18. Swimming Pool (indoor or outdoor) 
19. Tennis Bubble 
20. Tent 
21. Time Sharing Unit Within Multi-Unit Building 
22. Travel Trailer (unless converted to a 
permanent onsite building meeting the 
community's floodplain management permit 
requirements) 
23. Water Treatment Plant (unless 51 percent of 
its actual cash value is above ground) 
B. Contents Coverage 
1. Automobiles--Including Dealer's Stock 
(assembled or not) 
2. Bailee's Customer Goods--Including 
garment contractors, cleaners, shoe repair 
shops, processors of goods belonging to 
others, and similar risks 
3. Contents Located in a Structure Not 
Eligible for Building Coverage 
4. Contents Located in a Building Not Fully 
Walled and/or Contents Not Secured 
Against Flotation 
GR 7 May 1, 2006 


5. Motorcycles--Including Dealer's Stock 
(assembled or not) 
6. Motorized Equipment--Including Dealer's 
Stock (assembled or not) 
C. Non-Residential Condominium Unit 
The owner of a non-residential condominium unit 
cannot purchase a unit owner's policy. The 
association can purchase a condominium 
association policy to cover the entire building. 
Contents-only coverage may be purchased by 
the unit owner. 

VIII. POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE 
A. Evidence of Insurance 
A copy of the Flood Insurance Application and 
premium payment, or a copy of the declarations 
page, is sufficient evidence of proof of purchase. 
The NFIP does not recognize an oral binder or 
contract of insurance. 

B. Start of Waiting Period 
There is a standard 30-day waiting period for new 
applications and for endorsements to increase 
coverage. 

1. If the application or endorsement form and 
the premium payment are received at the 
NFIP within 10 days from the date of 
application or endorsement request, or if 
mailed by certified mail within 4 days from 
the date of application or endorsement 
request, then the waiting period will be 
calculated from the application or 
endorsement date. 
2. If the application or endorsement form and 
the premium payment are received at the 
NFIP after 10 days from the date of 
application or endorsement request, or are 
not mailed by certified mail within 4 days 
from the date of application or endorsement 
request, then the waiting period will be 
calculated from the date the NFIP receives 
the application or endorsement. 
As used in VIIl.B.1. and 2. above, the term 
“certified mail” extends to not only the U.S. 
Postal Service but also certain third-party 
delivery services. Acceptable third-party delivery 
services include Federal Express (FedEx), 
United Parcel Service (UPS), and courier 
services and the like that provide proof of 
mailing. Third-party delivery is acceptable if the 

delivery service provides documentation of the 
actual mailing date and delivery date to the NFIP 
insurer. Bear in mind that third-party delivery 
services deliver to street addresses but cannot 
deliver to U.S. Postal Service post office boxes. 

C. Effective Date 
1. New Policy (other than 2, 3, or 4 below)-
The effective date of a new policy will be 
12:01 a.m., local time, on the 30th calendar 
day after the application date and the 
presentment of premium. (Example: a 
policy applied for on May 3 will become 
effective 12:01 a.m., local time, on June 2.) 
The effective date of coverage is subject to 
the waiting period rule listed under B.1 or 
B.2 above. 
2. New Policy (in connection with making, 
increasing, extending, or renewing a loan, 
whether conventional or otherwise)--Flood 
insurance, which is initially purchased in 
connection with the making, increasing, 
extending, or renewal of a loan, shall be 
effective at the time of loan closing, 
provided that the policy is applied for and 
the presentment of premium is made at or 
prior to the loan closing. (Example: 
presentment of premium and application 
date--April 3, refinancing--April 3 at 3:00 
p.m., policy effective date--April 3 at 3:00 
p.m.) This rule applies to all buildings 
regardless of flood zone. The waiting 
period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above 
does not apply. 
3. New Policy (in connection with lender 
requirement)--The 30-day waiting period 
does not apply when flood insurance is 
required as a result of a lender determining 
that a loan on a building in a Special Flood 
Hazard Area (SFHA) that does not have 
flood insurance coverage should be 
protected by flood insurance. The coverage 
is effective upon the completion of an 
application and the presentment of payment 
of premium. (Example: presentment of 
premium and application date--April 3, policy 
effective date--April 3.) The waiting period 
rule listed under B.1 or B.2 must be used. 
4. New Policy (when the initial purchase of 
flood insurance is in connection with the 
revision or updating of a Flood Hazard 
Boundary Map or Flood Insurance Rate 
Map)--During the 13-month period 
beginning on the effective date of the map 
revision, the effective date of a new policy 
shall be 12:01 a.m., local time, following the 
GR 8 May 1, 2006 


day after the application date and the 
presentment of premium. This rule only 
applies where the Flood Hazard Boundary 
Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map 
(FIRM) is revised to show the building to be 
in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) 
when it had not been in an SFHA. 
(Example: FIRM revised--January 1, 2005, 
policy applied for and presentment of 
premium--August 3, 2005, policy effective 
date--August 4, 2005.) The waiting period 
rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above must be 
used. 

5. New Policy (in connection with the 
purchase of an RCBAP)--When a 
condominium association is purchasing a 
Residential Condominium Building 
Association Policy (RCBAP), the 30-day 
waiting period does not apply if the 
condominium association is required to 
obtain flood insurance as part of the 
security for a loan under the name of the 
condominium association. The coverage is 
effective upon completion of an application 
and presentment of premium. The waiting 
period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above 
does not apply. 
In all other circumstances, the 30-day 
waiting period applies, and the waiting 
period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above 
must be used. 

6. New Policy (submit-for-rate application)-- 
With three exceptions (described below), 
the effective date of a new policy will be 
12:01 a.m., local time, on the 30th calendar 
day after the presentment of premium. 
The three exceptions are as follows. 

First, there is no waiting period if the initial 
purchase of flood insurance on a submit-
for-rate application is in connection with 
making, increasing, extending, or renewing 
a loan, provided that the policy is applied 
for and the presentment of premium is 
made at or prior to the loan closing. The 
waiting period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 
above does not apply. 

Second, the 30-day waiting period does not 
apply when flood insurance is required as a 
result of a lender determining that a loan 
which does not have flood insurance 
coverage should be protected by flood 
insurance, because the building securing a 
loan is located in an SFHA. The coverage 
is effective upon the completion of an 

application and the presentment of 
payment of premium. This exemption from 
the 30-day waiting period applies only to 
loans in SFHAs, i.e., those loans for which 
the statute requires flood insurance. The 
waiting period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 
above must be applied. 
Third, during the 13-month period 
beginning on the effective date of a map 
revision, the effective date of a new policy 
shall be 12:01 a.m., local time, following the 
day after the date the increased amount of 
coverage is applied for and the 
presentment of additional premium is 
made. This rule applies only on an initial 
purchase of flood insurance where the 
Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or 
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is 
revised to show the building to be in an 
SFHA when it had not been in an SFHA. 
The waiting period rule listed under B.1 or 
B.2 must be applied. 
7. New Policy (rewrite Standard to PRP)--The 
30-day waiting period does not apply when 
an insured decides to rewrite the existing 
policy at the time of renewal from Standard 
to a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP), provided 
that the selected PRP coverage limit 
amount is no higher than the next highest 
PRP amount above that which was carried 
on the Standard policy using the highest of 
building and contents coverage. In those 
cases where the Standard policy has only 
one kind of coverage, either building or 
contents only, the 30-day waiting period 
applies. 
In addition, if the structure is no longer 
eligible under the PRP or the insured 
decides to rewrite the existing PRP at 
renewal time to a Standard policy, the 
30-day waiting period does not apply 
provided the coverage limit amount is no 
more than the previous PRP coverage 
amount or the next higher PRP amount 
above that. 
8. New Policy (contents only)--Unless the 
contents are part of the security for a loan, 
the 30-day waiting period applies to the 
purchase of contents-only coverage. 
9. New Policy (documentation required)--The 
insurer may rely on an agent’s 
representation on the application that the 
loan exception applies unless there is a 
loss during the first 30 days of the policy 
period. In that case, the insurer must 
GR 9 May 1, 2006 


obtain documentation of the loan 
transaction, such as settlement papers, 
before adjusting the loss. 

10. Community's Initial Entry or Conversion 
from Emergency to Regular Program-
Process according to rules 1 through 9 
above and 11 below. 
11. Endorsements--With two exceptions 
(described below), the effective date for a 
new coverage or an increase in limits on a 
policy in force shall be 12:01 a.m., local 
time, on the 30th calendar day following the 
date of endorsement and the presentment 
of additional premium, or on such later date 
set by the insured to conform with the 
reason for the change. 
The two exceptions are as follows. 

First, during the 13-month period beginning 
on the effective date of a map revision, the 
effective date of an endorsement of an 
existing policy shall be 12:01 a.m., local 
time, following the day after the application 
date and the presentment of premium. This 
rule applies only where the FHBM or FIRM 
is revised to show the building to be in an 
SFHA when it had not been in an SFHA. 

Second, the 30-day waiting period does not 
apply when the additional amount of flood 
insurance is required in connection with the 
making, increasing, extending, or renewing 
of a loan, such as a second mortgage, 
home equity loan, or refinancing. The 
increased amount of flood coverage shall 
be effective at the time of loan closing, 
provided that the increased amount of 
coverage is applied for and the 
presentment of additional premium is made 
at or prior to the loan closing. The waiting 
period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above 
does not apply. 

The insurer may rely on an agent’s 
representation on the endorsement that the 
loan exception applies unless there is a loss 
during the first 30 days of the policy period. 
In that case, the insurer must obtain 
documentation of the loan transaction, such 
as settlement papers, before adjusting the 
loss. 

12. Renewals (inflation increase option)--The 
30-day waiting period does not apply when 
an additional amount of insurance is 
requested at renewal time that is no more 
than the amount of increase recommended 
by the insurer on the renewal bill to keep 
pace with inflation. If a revised renewal 
offer is generated at least 30 days before 
renewal with coverage more than the 
inflation increase option, the new limits will 
apply at policy renewal. 

In either situation, the increased amount of 
coverage will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on 
the date of policy renewal provided the 
premium for the increased coverage is 
received before the expiration of the grace 
period. 

13. Renewals (higher PRP limits)--The waiting 
period does not apply to a renewal offer to 
the insured for the next higher limits 
available under the PRP. 
14. Renewals (deductible reduction)--The 
30-day waiting period does not apply to a 
reduction of the deductible effective as of 
the renewal date. 
IX. COVERAGE 
A. Limits of Coverage 
Coverage may be purchased subject to the 
maximum limits of coverage available under the 
Program phase in which the community is 
participating. Duplicate policies are not allowed. 

B. Deductibles 
Deductibles apply separately to building 
coverage and to contents coverage. 

C. Coverage D -Increased Cost of 
Compliance (ICC) Coverage 
For all new and renewal policies effective on or 
after May 1, 2003, the ICC limit of liability is 
$30,000. 

The SFIP pays for complying with a State or local 
floodplain management law or ordinance affecting 
repair or reconstruction of a structure suffering 
flood damage. Compliance activities eligible for 
payment are: elevation, floodproofing, relocation, 
or demolition (or any combination of these 
activities) of the insured structure. Eligible 
floodproofing activities are limited to nonresidential structures and residential structures 
with basements that satisfy FEMA's standards 
published in the Code of Federal Regulations [44 
CFR 60.6 (b) or (c)]. 

 GR 10 May 1, 2006 


ICC coverage is mandatory for all Standard Flood 
Insurance Policies, except that coverage is not 
available for: 

1. Policies issued or renewed in the 
Emergency Program. 
2. Condominium units, including townhouse/ 
rowhouse condominium units. (The 
condominium association is responsible for 
complying with mitigation requirements.) 
3. Group Flood Insurance Policies. 
4. Appurtenant structures, unless covered by 
a separate policy. 
ICC coverage contains exclusions in addition to 
those highlighted here. See the policy for a list of 
exclusions. 

To be eligible for claim payment under ICC, a 
structure must: 

a. Be a repetitive loss structure as defined, for 
which NFIP paid a previous qualifying claim, 
in addition to the current claim. The state or 
community must have a cumulative, 
substantial damage provision or repetitive 
loss provision in its floodplain management 
law or ordinance being enforced against the 
structure; OR 
b. Be a structure that has sustained substantial 
flood damage. The state or community 
must have a substantial damage provision in 
its floodplain management law or ordinance 
being enforced against the structure. 
The ICC premium is not eligible for the deductible 
discount. First calculate the deductible discount, 
then add in the ICC premium for each policy year. 

D. Reduction of Coverage Limits or 
Reformation 
In the event that the premium payment received 
is not sufficient to purchase the amounts of 
insurance requested, the policy shall be deemed 
to provide only such insurance as can be 
purchased for the entire term of the policy for the 
amount of premium received. 

Complete provisions for reduction of coverage 
limits or reformation are described in: 

1. Dwelling Form, section VII, paragraph G. 
2. General Property Form, section VII, 
paragraph G. 
3. Residential Condominium Building Association Policy, section VIII, paragraph G. 
X. SPECIAL RATING SITUATIONS 
A. Tentative Rates 
Tentative rates are applied when producers are 
unable to provide all required underwriting 
information necessary to rate the policy. 
Tentatively rated policies cannot be endorsed to 
increase coverage limits or renewed for another 
policy term until required actuarial rating 
information and full premium payment are 
received by the NFIP. If a loss occurs on a 
tentatively rated policy, the loss payment will be 
limited by the amount of coverage that the 
premium initially submitted will purchase (using 
the correct actuarial rating information), and not 
the amount requested by application. 

B. Submit-For-Rate 
Some risks, because of their unique underwriting 
characteristics, cannot be rated using this 
manual. Certain risks must be submitted to the 
NFIP Underwriting Unit to determine the 
appropriate rate. Refer to page GR 9 for the 
applicable waiting period. 

Submit-for-rate policies must be rerated annually 
using the newest rates. If the NFIP Direct or 
WYO company does not have all the underwriting 
information, it must request the missing 
information from the insured in order to properly 
rate the risk. 

Pre-FIRM risks may not be rated using the 
submit-for-rate process. 

C. Provisional Rates 
Rules applicable to provisionally rated policies 
are provided in the Provisional Rating section of 
this manual. 

D. Buildings in More Than One Flood Zone 
Buildings, not the land, located in more than one 
flood zone must be rated using the more 
hazardous zone. 

This condition applies even though the portion of 
the building located in the more hazardous zone 
may not be covered under the SFIP, such as a 
deck. 

XI. MISCELLANEOUS RULES 
A. Policy Term 
The policy term available is 1 year for both NFIP 
Direct business policies and policies written 
through WYO Companies. 

 GR 11 May 1, 2006 


B. Application Submission 
Flood insurance applications and presentment of 
premium must be mailed promptly to the NFIP. 
The date of receipt of premium for the NFIP 
insurer is determined by either the date received 
at its offices or the date of certified mail. 

In the context of submission of applications, 
endorsements, and premiums to the NFIP, the 
term “certified mail” has been broadened to 
include not only the U.S. Postal Service but also 
certain third-party delivery services. For details, 
see the paragraph following VIII.B.2. on page 
GR 8. 

Producers are encouraged to submit flood 
insurance applications by certified mail. Certified 
mail ensures the earliest possible effective date if 
the application and premium are received by the 
NFIP insurer more than 10 days from the 
application date. The date of certification 
becomes the date of receipt at the NFIP. 

C. Delivery of the Policy 
The producer is responsible for delivering the 
declarations page and the policy contract of a 
new policy to the insured and, if appropriate, to 
the lender. Renewal policy documentation is sent 
directly to the insured. 

D. Assignment 
A property owner's flood insurance building policy 
may be assigned in writing to a purchaser of the 

insured property upon transfer of title without the 
written consent of the NFIP. 

Policies on buildings in the course of construction 
and policies insuring contents only may not be 
assigned. 

E. Producers' Commissions (Direct 
Business Only) 
The earned commission may be paid only to 
property or casualty insurance producers duly 
licensed by a state insurance regulatory authority. 
It shall not be less than $10 and is computed for 
both new and renewal policies as follows: Based 
on the Total Prepaid Amount (less the Federal 
Policy Fee) for the policy term, the commission 
will be 15 percent of the first $2,000 of annualized 
premium and 5 percent on the excess of $2,000. 

Calculated commissions for mid-term endorsements and cancellation transactions will be based 
upon the same commission percentage that was 
paid at the policy term's inception. 

Commissions for all Scheduled Building Policies 
are computed as though each building and 
contents policy was separately written. 

For calculation of commission on an RCBAP, see 
the CONDO section. 

 GR 12 May 1, 2006 


RATING 


This section contains information, including rate 
tables, required to accurately rate a flood 
insurance policy. Information and rates for the 
Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) and Residential 
Condominium Building Association Policy 
(RCBAP) are found in their respective sections. 

The detailed drawings, and accompanying text 
and tables, in the Lowest Floor Guide section 
are to be used as a guide for identifying the 
lowest floor for rating buildings. This guide will 
assist in developing the proper rate for the 
building. 

I. AMOUNT OF INSURANCE AVAILABLE 
Examples of some rating situations are shown 
on pages RATE 47 through RATE 61. 

A premium table for single family Pre-FIRM 
buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas 
(SFHAs) is located on page RATE 11. These 
premiums were calculated using Rate Table 2. 
This premium table is included in this manual to 
help the agent more easily quote premiums for 
buildings that do not require elevation 
certification. 

BUILDING COVERAGE 
Single Family Dwelling 
2-4 Family Dwelling 
Other Residential 
Non-Residential 
EMERGENCY 
PROGRAM 
REGULAR PROGRAM 
Basic 
Insurance 
Limits 
Additional 
Insurance 
Limits 
Total 
Insurance 
Limits 
$ 35,000 * 
$ 35,000 * 
$100,000** 
$100,000** 
$ 50,000 
$ 50,000 
$150,000 
$150,000 
$200,000 
$200,000 
$100,000 
$350,000 
$250,000 
$250,000 
$250,000 
$500,000 
CONTENTS COVERAGE 
Residential 
Non-Residential 
$ 10,000 
$100,000 
$ 20,000 
$130,000 
$ 80,000 
$370,000 
$100,000 
$500,000

 * In Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and U.S. Virgin Islands, the amount available is $50,000. 
** In Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and U.S. Virgin Islands, the amount available is $150,000. 
NOTE: For RCBAP, refer to CONDO Section for basic insurance limits and maximum 
coverage available. 

II. RATE TABLES 
Rate tables are provided for the Emergency $100 of coverage. Table 6 provides 
Program and for the Regular Program according precalculated Pre-FIRM premiums for various 
to Pre-FIRM, Post-FIRM, and zone coverage limits. See Table 7 for Federal Policy 
classifications. Tables 1-5 show annual rates per Fee and Probation Surcharge. 

TABLE 1. EMERGENCY PROGRAM RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional) 

Building Contents 
Residential .76 .96 
Non-Residential .83 1.62 

RATE 1 May 1, 2005 


TABLE 2. REGULAR PROGRAM -- PRE-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES1 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional) 


FIRM ZONES A, AE, A1-A30, AO, AH, D 

OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
No Basement/Enclosure 
Building 
.76 / .40 
Contents 
.96 / .72 
Building 
.76 / .40 
Contents 
.96 / .60 
.96 / .72 
.96 / .72 
Building 
.76 / .83 
.76 / .69 
.81 / .88 
Contents 
.96 / .60 
.96 / .72 
.96 / .72 
Building 
.83 / .71 
.88 / .69 
.88 / .88 
.83 / .71 
Contents 
1.62 / 1.20 
1.62 / 1.44 
1.62 / .63 
With Basement 
With Enclosure 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
Basement & Above 
Enclosure & Above 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
.81 / .59 
.81 / .71 
.76 / .40 
.96 / .60 
.96 / .72 
.96 / .72 
.81 / .59 
.81 / .71 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
Above Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
.96 / .49 
.35 / .12 
.96 / .49 
.35 / .12 
1.62 / .53 
.24 / .12 
1.62 / .63 

FIRM ZONES V, VE, V1-V30 


OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
No Basement/Enclosure 
Building 
.99 / 1.03 
Contents 
1.23 / 1.79 
Building 
.99 / 1.03 
Contents 
1.23 / 1.50 
1.23 / 1.79 
1.23 / 1.79 
Building 
.99 / 1.93 
1.06 / 2.89 
1.06 / 3.23 
Contents 
1.23 / 1.50 
1.23 / 1.79 
1.23 / 1.79 
Building 
1.10 / 1.93 
1.16 / 2.89 
1.16 / 3.231.10 / 7.92 
Contents 
2.14 / 3.43 
2.14 / 3.70 
2.14 / 3.09 
With Basement 
With Enclosure 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
Basement & Above 
Enclosure & Above 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
1.06 / 1.55 
1.06 / 1.83 
.99 / 4.76 
1.23 / 1.50 
1.23 / 1.79 
1.23 / 1.79 
1.06 / 1.55 
1.06 / 1.83 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
Above Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
1.23 / 1.57 
.47 / .29 
1.23 / 1.57 
.47 / .29 
2.14 / 2.65 
.45 / .39 
2.14 / 7.44 

FIRM ZONES A99, B, C, X 


OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
No Basement/Enclosure 
Building 
.64 / .17 
Contents 
.99 / .30 
Building 
.64 / .17 
Contents Building 
.61 / .17 
.78 / .24 
.78 / .28 
Contents Building 
.61 / .17 
.78 / .24 
.78 / .28 
.78 / .32 
Contents 
With Basement 
With Enclosure 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
.73 / .24 
.73 / .28 
.64 / .31 
1.12 / .35 
1.12 / .40 
.99 / .30 
.73 / .24 
.73 / .28 
Basement & Above 
Enclosure & Above 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
1.26 / .46 
1.26 / .53 
.99 / .48 
1.26 / .46 
1.26 / .53 
.99 / .48 
1.30 / .50 
1.30 / .60 
.80 / .35 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
Above Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 
.99 / .30 
.35 / .12 
.99 / .30 
.35 / .12 
.80 / .25 
.22 / .12 
.70 / .43 

Start of construction or substantial improvement on or before 12/31/74, or before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate 
Map (FIRM). If FIRM Zone is unknown, use rates for Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AO, AH, D. 

2 The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 

RATE 2 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3A. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 


ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional) 

FIRM ZONES A99, B, C, X 

OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents 
No Basement/Enclosure .64 / .17 .99 / .30 .64 / .17 .61 / .17 .61 / .17 
With Basement .73 / .24 1.12 / .35 .73 / .24 .78 / .24 .78 / .24 
With Enclosure .73 / .28 1.12 / .40 .73 / .28 .78 / .28 .78 / .28 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home1 .64 / .31 .99 / .30 .78 / .32 
Basement & Above 1.26 / .46 1.26 / .46 1.30 / .50 
Enclosure & Above 1.26 / .53 1.26 / .53 1.30 / .60 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
.99 / .48 .99 / .48 .80 / .35 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
.99 / .30 .99 / .30 .80 / .25 
Above Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
.35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home1 .70 / .43 
FIRM ZONE D 


OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents 
No Basement/Enclosure .92 / .32 .92 / .57 .92 / .32 1.00 / .57 1.00 / .57 
With Basement *** *** *** *** *** 
With Enclosure *** *** *** *** *** 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home1 1.21 / .62 1.09 / .66 2.07 / .77 
Basement & Above *** *** *** 
Enclosure & Above *** *** *** 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
.92 / .57 .92 / .57 1.62 / .52 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
.92 / .39 .92 / .39 1.62 / .49 
Above Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
.35 / .12 .35 / .12 .24 / .12 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home1 1.62 / .52 
FIRM ZONES AO, AH ("No Basement" Buildings Only)2 

Building Contents 
OCCUPANCY 
1-4 Family Other Res 
& Non-Res 
Residential Non- 
Residential 
With Certification of Compliance3 .25 / .06 .21 / .06 .34 / .11 .21 / .11 
Without Certification of Compliance or Elevation Certificate4 .77 / .17 .84 / .30 .97 / .20 1.63 / .25 

1 The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 
2 Zones AO, AH Buildings With Basement/Enclosure: Submit for Rating 
3 “With Certification of Compliance” rates are to be used when the Elevation Certificate shows that the lowest 
floor is equal to or greater than the community's elevation requirement. 
4 “Without Certification of Compliance” rates are to be used only on Post-FIRM structures without an Elevation 
Certificate or when the Elevation Certificate shows that the lowest floor elevation of a Post-FIRM structure is 
less than the community’s elevation requirement. 

*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

RATE 3 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3B. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional) 


FIRM ZONES AE, A1-A30 --BUILDING RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE1 
One Floor, No 
Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
No Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
With Basement/Encl 
Manufactured 
(Mobile) Home2 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
+4 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24/ .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 
+3 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .25 / .08 .22 / .08 
+2 .32 / .08 .26 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .34 / .08 .28 / .08 
+1 .61 / .08 .45 / .10 .38 / .08 .28 / .08 .29 / .08 .22 / .08 .77 / .09 .72 / .08 
0 1.19./ .09 1.07 / .20 .85 / .08 .65 / .16 .62 / .08 .52 / .16 1.84 / .09 1.71 / .08 
-13 3.00 / 1.10 4.24 / 1.35 2.64 / 1.00 3.30 / .62 1.50 / .55 1.53 / .67 *** *** 
-2 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 

FIRM ZONES AE, A1-A30 -- CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Lowest Floor Only -Above 
Ground Level 
(No Basement/Encl.) 
Lowest Floor 
Above Ground Level 
& Higher Floors (No 
Basement/Encl.) 
More than One 
Floor With 
Basement/Enclosure 
Manufactured 
(Mobile) Home2 
Above or 
Below BFE1 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
+4 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 
+3 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 
+2 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .31 / .14 
+1 .50 / .12 .30 / .18 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .59 / .12 .48 / .20 
0 1.10 / .12 .68 / .40 .65 / .12 .48 / .25 .40 / .12 .29 / .12 1.21 / .12 1.01 / .64 
-13 3.07 / .75 1.94 / 1.14 1.78 / .58 1.37 / .70 .48 / .12 1.06 / .12 *** *** 
-2 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 

FIRM ZONES AE, A1-A30 -- CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above Ground Level 
More than One Full Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE1 
Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
+4 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+3 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+2 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+1 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
0 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
-1 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
-2 .35 / .12 .37 / .12 .24 / .12 

1 

If Lowest Floor is –1 because of attached garage, submit application for special consideration. Rate may be lower. 

2 

The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 

3 

Use Submit-for-Rate guidelines if the enclosure below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building or if the crawl 
space (under-floor space) that has its interior floor within 2 feet below grade on all sides, which is used for rating, is 1 or 
more feet below BFE. 

*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

RATE 4 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3C. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional)


UNNUMBERED ZONE A -- WITHOUT BASEMENT/ENCLOSURE1 

Elevation 
Difference to 
nearest foot 
BUILDING RATES CONTENTS RATES 
TYPE OF ELEVATION 
CERTIFICATE 
Occupancy Occupancy 
1-4 Family Other & Non-
Residential 
Residential2 NonResidential2 
+5 or more .36 / .10 .48 / .15 .62 / .12 .65 / .12 
NO ESTIMATED 
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION3 
+2 to +4 .88 / .12 .91 / .20 .82 / .17 .89 / .23 
+1 1.72 / .59 1.94 / .75 1.40 / .63 1.33 / .72 
0 or below *** *** *** *** 
+2 or more .32 / .08 .34 / .09 .50 / .12 .49 / .12 
WITH THE ESTIMATED 
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION4 
0 to +1 .85 / .10 .74 / .18 .72 / .15 .76 / .21 
-1 2.75 / 1.05 3.49 / 1.02 2.08 / .67 1.84 / 1.02 
-2 or below *** *** *** *** 
No Elevation 
Certificate5 3.22 / 1.32 4.36 / 1.70 2.61 / 1.00 2.74 / 1.35 No Elevation Certificate 

1

 Zone A building with basement (including crawl space below grade on all sides) or enclosure --Submit for Rating. 

2

 For elevation rated risks other than Single Family, when contents are located one floor or more above lowest floor 
used for rating --use .35 /.12. 

3

 Elevation difference is the measured distance between the highest adjacent grade next to the building 
and the lowest floor of the building. 


4

 Elevation difference is the measured distance between the estimated BFE provided by the community 
or registered professional engineer, surveyor, or architect and the lowest floor of the building. 


5

 For building without basement or enclosure, Elevation Certificate is optional. 

*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

RATE 5 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3D. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional)


FIRM ZONES '75-81, V1-V30, VE -- BUILDING RATES1 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE 
One Floor, No 
Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
No Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
With Basement/Encl 
Manufactured (Mobile) 
Home2 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential & 
Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
03 2.09 / .38 2.53 / 0.98 1.69 / .38 1.83 / .92 1.47 / .38 1.64 / .74 3.13 / .31 4.48 / .28 
-14 4.47 / 2.29 6.66 / 3.67 4.09 / 2.29 5.74 / 2.79 2.90 / 2.07 3.03 / 2.83 *** *** 
-2 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 

FIRM ZONES '75-81, V1-V30, VE -- CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor Only -- 
Above Ground Level 
(No Basement/Encl.) 
Lowest Floor 
Above Ground Level 
& Higher Floors (No 
Basement/Encl.) 
More than One 
Floor With 
Basement/Enclosure 
Manufactured (Mobile) 
Home2 
Lowest Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
03 3.24 / .45 2.86 / 2.10 2.11 / .50 2.00 / 1.25 1.19 / .55 1.19 / .55 3.12 / .50 3.25 / 2.68 
-14 7.12 / 3.46 6.99 / 6.09 4.20 / 2.68 4.79 / 3.80 1.40 / .55 4.27 / .55 *** *** 
-2 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 

FIRM ZONES '75-81, V1-V30, VE -- CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above Ground Level 
More than One Full Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE 
Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
03 .55 / .25 .55 / .25 .42 / .25 
-14 .55 / .25 .55 / .25 .42 / .25 
-2 .55 / .25 .55 / .25 .46 / .25 

1 

Policies for 1975 through 1981 Post-FIRM and Pre-FIRM buildings in Zones VE and V1-V30 will be allowed to use 
the Post-’81 V Zone rate table if the rates are more favorable to the insured. See instructions on page RATE 23 for 
V Zone Optional Rating. 

2 The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 

3 

These rates are to be used if the lowest floor of the building is at or above BFE. 

4 

Use Submit-for-Rate guidelines if the enclosure below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building, which is used for 
rating, is 1 or more feet below BFE. 

*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

FIRM ZONES '75-'81, UNNUMBERED V ZONE 

SUBMIT FOR RATING 


RATE 6 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3E. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 


1981 POST-FIRM V1-V30, VE ZONE RATES1 

Elevation of the 
lowest floor Elevated Buildings Free of Obstruction3 
above or below 
BFE adjusted for 
wave height2 
Contents Building 
Residential Non-Residential 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio .75 or More4 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio .50 to .744 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio Under .504 
+4 or more .31 .31 .51 .68 1.03 
+3 .31 .31 .62 .83 1.25 
+2 .45 .48 .81 1.08 1.62 
+1 .79 .84 1.17 1.56 2.18 
0 1.21 1.30 1.50 2.01 2.82 
-1 1.75 1.81 1.98 2.61 3.39 
-2 2.44 2.57 2.60 3.41 4.35 
-3 3.35 3.56 3.35 4.48 5.68 
-4 or below *** *** *** *** *** 

1Policies for 1975 through 1981 Post-FIRM and Pre-FIRM buildings in Zones VE and V1-V30 will be allowed to use 
the Post-’81 V Zone rate table if the rates are more favorable to the insured. See instructions on page RATE 23 for 
V Zone Optional Rating. 

2Wave height adjustment is not required in those cases where the Flood Insurance Rate Map indicates that the map 
includes wave height. 
3Free of Obstruction—The space below the lowest elevated floor must be completely free of obstructions or any 
attachment to the building, or may have: 

(1) Insect screening, provided that no additional supports are required for the screening; or 
(2) Wooden or plastic lattice with at least 40 percent of its area open and made of material no thicker than ½ inch; or 
(3) Wooden or plastic slats or shutters with at least 40 percent of their area open and made of material no thicker 
than 1 inch. 
Any of these systems must be designed and installed to collapse under stress without jeopardizing the structural 
support of the building, so that the impact on the building of abnormally high tides or wind-driven water is minimized. 
Any machinery or equipment below the lowest elevated floor must be at or above the BFE. 

4These percentages represent building replacement cost ratios, which are determined by dividing the amount of 
building coverage being purchased by the replacement cost. See page RATE 20 for more details. 


*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

1981 POST-FIRM V1-V30, VE ZONE 
Non-Elevated Buildings 

SUBMIT FOR RATING 


1981 POST-FIRM UNNUMBERED V ZONE 


SUBMIT FOR RATING 


RATE 7 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 3F. REGULAR PROGRAM -- POST-FIRM CONSTRUCTION RATES 
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 


1981 POST-FIRM V1-V30, VE ZONE RATES1,2 

Elevation of the 
lowest floor 
above or below 
BFE adjusted for 
wave height3 
Elevated Buildings With Obstruction4 
Contents Building 
Residential Non-Residential 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio .75 or More5 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio .50 to .745 
Replacement Cost 
Ratio Under .505 
+4 or more .41 .41 1.13 1.52 2.26 
+3 .42 .42 1.27 1.67 2.55 
+2 .54 .54 1.49 1.94 2.97 
+1 .92 .97 1.73 2.32 3.35 
0 1.31 1.38 2.03 2.79 3.78 
-16 1.81 1.92 2.42 3.21 4.32 
-26 2.52 2.68 3.01 3.95 5.13 
-36 3.43 3.65 3.87 5.03 6.48 
-4 or below6 *** *** *** *** *** 

1 

Policies for 1975 through 1981 Post-FIRM and Pre-FIRM buildings in Zones VE and V1-V30 will be allowed to use 
the Post-’81 V Zone rate table if the rates are more favorable to the insured. See instructions on page RATE 23 for 
V Zone Optional Rating. 

2 

Rates provided are only for elevated buildings, except those elevated on solid perimeter foundation walls. For 
buildings elevated on solid perimeter foundation walls, and for non-elevated buildings, use the Specific Rating 
Guidelines document. 

3

 Wave height adjustment is not required in those cases where the Flood Insurance Rate Map indicates that the map 
includes wave height. 

4 

With Obstruction—The space below has an area of less than 300 square feet with breakaway solid walls or 
contains equipment below the BFE. If the space below has an area of 300 square feet or more, or if any portion of 
the space below the elevated floor is enclosed with non-breakaway walls, submit for rating. If the enclosure is at or 
above the BFE, use the “Free of Obstruction” rate table on the preceding page. The elevation of the bottom 
enclosure floor is the lowest floor for rating (LFE). 

5 

These percentages represent building replacement cost ratios, which are determined by dividing the amount of 
building coverage being purchased by the replacement cost. See page RATE 20 for more details. 

6

 For buildings with obstruction, use Submit-for-Rate guidelines if the enclosure below the lowest elevated floor of an 
elevated building, which is used for rating, is 1 or more feet below BFE. 

*** SUBMIT FOR RATING 

1981 POST-FIRM UNNUMBERED V ZONE 

SUBMIT FOR RATING 


RATE 8 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 4. REGULAR PROGRAM -- FIRM ZONE AR AND AR DUAL ZONES RATES


ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional) 

PRE-FIRM NOT ELEVATION-RATED RATES1, 2 

OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents 
No Basement/Enclosure .64 / .17 .99 / .30 .64 / .17 .61 / .17 .61 / .17 
With Basement .73 / .24 1.12 / .35 .73 / .24 .78 / .24 .78 / .24 
With Enclosure .73 / .28 1.12 / .40 .73 / .28 .78 / .28 .78 / .28BUILDING 
TYPE 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home3 .64 / .31 .99 / .30 .78 / .32 
Basement & Above 1.26 / .46 1.26 / .46 1.30 / .50 
Enclosure & Above 1.26 / .53 1.26 / .53 1.30 / .60 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
.99 / .48 .99 / .48 .80 / .35 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
.99 / .30 .99 / .30 .80 / .25CONTENTS 
LOCATIONAbove Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
.35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home3 .70 / .43 
1 

Start of construction or substantial improvement on or before 12/31/74, or before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate 
Map (FIRM). 

2 

Base Deductible is $1,000. 

3 

The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See Page APP 3. 

POST-FIRM NOT ELEVATION-RATED RATES1 

OCCUPANCY Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents Building Contents 
No Basement/Enclosure .64 / .17 .99 / .30 .64 / .17 .61 / .17 .61 / .17 
With Basement .73 / .24 1.12 / .35 .73 / .24 .78 / .24 .78 / .24 
With Enclosure .73 / .28 1.12 / .40 .73 / .28 .78 / .28 .78 / .28BUILDING 
TYPE 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 .64 / .31 .99 / .30 .78 / .32 
Basement & Above 1.26 / .46 1.26 / .46 1.30 / .50 
Enclosure & Above 1.26 / .53 1.26 / .53 1.30 / .60 
Lowest Floor Only - Above 
Ground Level 
.99 / .48 .99 / .48 .80 / .35 
Lowest Floor Above Ground 
Level and Higher Floors 
.99 / .30 .99 / .30 .80 / .25CONTENTS 
LOCATIONAbove Ground Level - More 
than One Full Floor 
.35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
Manufactured (Mobile) Home2 .70 / .43 
1 

Base Deductible is $500. 

2 

The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 

RATE 9 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 5. REGULAR PROGRAM -- PRE-FIRM AND POST-FIRM 
ELEVATION-RATED RATES
ANNUAL RATES PER $100 OF COVERAGE 
(Basic/Additional)


FIRM ZONES AR and AR Dual Zones --BUILDING RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above or 
Below BFE 
One Floor, No 
Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
No Basement/Encl 
More than One Floor, 
With Basement/Encl 
Manufactured 
(Mobile) Home1 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
1-4 Family Other 
Residential 
& Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
+4 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 
+3 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .25 / .08 .22 / .08 
+2 .32 / .08 .26 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .24 / .08 .20 / .08 .34 / .08 .28 / .08 
+1 .61 / .08 .45 / .10 .38 / .08 .28 / .08 .29 / .08 .22 / .08 .64 / .09 .72 / .08 
0 .64 / .17 .61 / .17 .64 / .17 .61 / .17 .62 / .08 .52 / .16 .64 / .31 .78 / .32 
-12 See Footnote2 

FIRM ZONES AR and AR Dual Zones --CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Lowest Floor Only -Above 
Ground Level 
(No Basement/Encl.) 
Lowest Floor 
Above Ground Level 
& Higher Floors (No 
Basement/Encl.) 
More than One 
Floor With 
Basement/Enclosure 
Manufactured 
(Mobile) Home1 
Above or 
Below BFE 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Residential Non-
Residential 
Single 
Family 
Non-
Residential 
+4 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 
+3 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 
+2 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .31 / .14 
+1 .50 / .12 .30 / .18 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .38 / .12 .22 / .12 .59 / .12 .48 / .20 
0 1.10 / .12 .80 / .29 .65 / .12 .48 / .25 .40 / .12 .29 / .12 .99 / .30 .70 / .43 
-12 See Footnote2 

FIRM ZONES AR and AR Dual Zones -- CONTENTS RATES 

Elevation of 
Lowest Floor 
Above or 
Above Ground Level 
More than One Full Floor 
Below BFE Single Family 2-4 Family Other Residential Non-Residential 
+4 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+3 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+2 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
+1 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
0 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
-13 .35 / .12 .35 / .12 .22 / .12 
-23 .35 / .12 .37 / .12 .24 / .12 

1 

 The definition of Manufactured (Mobile) Home includes travel trailers. See page APP 3. 

2 

 Use Table 4 Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM Not Elevation-Rated AR and AR Dual Zones Rate Table. 

3 

These rates are only applicable to Contents-only policies. 

RATE 10 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 6. 
PRECALCULATED PRE-FIRM PREMIUM TABLE


PREMIUM1 EXCLUDING ICC2 
AND FEDERAL POLICY FEE3 
A, AE, A1-A30, AH, AO, D V, VE, V1-V30 
AMOUNT OF 
INSURANCE 
w/bsmt w/o bsmt w/bsmt w/o bsmt 
BUILDING 
$ 20,000 $ 162 $ 152 $ 212 $ 198 
$ 30,000 $ 243 $ 228 $ 318 $ 297 
$ 40,000 $ 324 $ 304 $ 424 $ 396 
$ 50,000 $ 405 $ 380 $ 530 $ 495 
$ 60,000 $ 464 $ 420 $ 685 $ 598 
$ 70,000 $ 523 $ 460 $ 846 $ 701 
$ 80,000 $ 582 $ 500 $ 995 $ 804 
$ 90,000 $ 641 $ 540 $1,150 $ 907 
$100,000 $ 700 $ 580 $1,305 $1,010 
$125,000 $ 848 $ 680 $1,696 $1,268 
$150,000 $ 995 $ 780 $2,080 $1,525 
$175,000 $1,143 $ 880 $2,468 $1,783 
$200,000 $1,290 $ 980 $2,855 $2,040 
$225,000 $1,438 $1,080 $3,243 $2,298 
$250,0004 $1,585 $1,180 $3,630 $2,555 
CONTENTS 
$ 5,000 $ 48 $ 48 $ 62 $ 62 
$ 10,000 $ 96 $ 96 $ 123 $ 123 
$ 15,000 $144 $144 $ 185 $ 185 
$ 20,000 $192 $192 $ 246 $ 246 
$ 25,000 $222 $228 $ 321 $ 336 
$ 30,000 $252 $264 $ 396 $ 425 
$ 40,000 $312 $336 $ 546 $ 604 
$ 50,000 $372 $408 $ 696 $ 783 
$ 60,000 $432 $480 $ 846 $ 962 
$ 70,000 $492 $552 $ 996 $1,141 
$ 80,000 $552 $624 $1,146 $1,320 
$ 90,000 $612 $696 $1,296 $1,499 
$100,000 $672 $768 $1,446 $1,678 
1 Premium before applying any CRS credits or optional deductible factors. 

2 For building coverage amounts of $230,000 and less, add $75 to the building premium 
selected from the table above to cover ICC cost, except for D zones. For D zones add $6. 
For building coverage amounts above $230,000, see Footnote 4 below. 

3 Add $30 to the premium selected from the table above to cover Federal Policy Fee. 

4 Add $60 to cover the ICC cost for the $250,000 building limit, except for D zones. 
For D zones add $4. 

RATE 11 May 1, 2006 


TABLE 7. FEDERAL POLICY FEE AND PROBATION SURCHARGE TABLE 


FEDERAL POLICY FEE1 
PROBATION 
SURCHARGE 
$30 $50 
1 For the Preferred Risk Policy, the Federal Policy Fee is $11.00. 

III. DEDUCTIBLES 
As shown in Table 8A below, the NFIP standard 
deductible is either $500 or $1,000. The insured 
may choose a deductible amount different from 
the standard $500 for Post-FIRM or the standard 
$1,000 for structures in the Emergency Program 
and those rated using Pre-FIRM rates in Zones 
A, AO, AH, A1-A30, AE, VO, V1-V30, VE, V, AR, 
and AR Dual Zones (AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, 
AR/A1-A30, AR/A). The optional deductible 
amount may be applied to policies insuring 
properties in either Emergency Program or 
Regular Program communities. Refer to page 
CONDO 22 for Residential Condominium 
Building Association Policy optional deductibles. 

A. Buy-Back Deductibles 
Policyholders who wish to reduce their 
deductibles from the standard deductibles of 
$1,000 for Pre-FIRM SFHA risks may opt to 

purchase separate $500 deductibles for building 
and contents coverages, for an additional 
premium. The deductible factors provided on 
pages RATE 13 and CONDO 22 must be used to 
calculate the deductible surcharge. 

B. Changes in Deductible Amount 
The amount of the deductible may be increased 
during the policy term by submitting a completed 
General Change Endorsement form. The 
deductible amount may be reduced through the 
submission of a new Application at the time of 
renewal. This procedure does not require the 
completion of the entire Flood Insurance 
Application. Deductibles cannot be reduced midterm 
unless required by the mortgagee and 
written authorization is provided by the 
mortgagee. A 30-day waiting period will be 
applied to reduce the deductible. 

TABLE 8A. STANDARD DEDUCTIBLES 


EMERGE