U.S. Department of Homeland Security (FRONT COVER) FRONT COVER 500 C Street SW Washington, DC 20472 July 2007 Dear Flood Insurance Manual Subscribers: As we move forward to improve the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), it is my goal to ensure that you have up-to-date information so you can assist your customers in securing the best flood insurance protection available for their individual needs. Revisions have been made to the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual that will become effective October 1, 2007. All of the changes are reflected on the enclosed amended pages, and related footers have been modified to reflect the October 1, 2007, effective date. The significant revisions include the following: • Expands the list of NFIP information resources available to all stakeholders (REF Section); • Clarifies information about a tenant’s improvements and betterments to a leased building and how a tenant may purchase additional coverage (GR, DEF Sections); • Explains the contract agent rule, under the terms of the contract between a WYO Company and a producer govern the producer’s authority to accept risks on behalf of the company and, for accepted risks, the policy waiting period and effective date of coverage (GR, DEF Sections); • For the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy, provides separate explanations of replacement cost provisions and coinsurance provisions, in place of the former combined explanation (CONDO Section); • Includes the reauthorized Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form 81-78) which may be used in approved communities through June 2010 (CERT Section); • Stipulates, although a Renewal Notice is not generated for nonrenewed or canceled policies, an appropriate notice of policy expiration must be sent to any mortgagee named on the policy (REN Section); • Expands the description of documentation required with use of Cancellation/Nullification Reason Code 19 to account for buildings removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area by multi-property Letters of Map Amendment or Letters of Map Revision (CN Section); • Clarifies, Cancellation/Nullification Reason Codes 22 and 24, the canceled policy must be rewritten with the same company (CN Section); www.fema.gov July 2007 Page 2 • Revises the criteria for severe repetitive loss properties by removing the word “market” from the term “current market value” in the text and letters to the agent, lender, and policyholder (SRL Section); and • Updates the Community Rating System Eligible Communities list (CRS section). Thank you for your continued support of the NFIP. Sincerely, David I. Maurstad Federal Insurance Administrator National Flood Insurance Program Enclosure Change Record Page Effective Date: October 1, 2007 Updates 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-viii, xiii-xiv REF 3-6 GR 3-4, 7-8, 11-13 APP 3-6 RATE 15-16 CONDO 1-2, 7-8 LFG 1-2 CERT 7-8 REN 1-2 CN 1-10 CL 3-4 MAP 3-4 CRS 1-29 SRL 1-8 DEF 1-6 IND 1-5 i-viii, xiii-xiv REF 3-6 GR 3-4, 7-8, 11-13 APP 3-6 RATE 15-16 CONDO 1-2, 7-8 LFG 1-2 CERT 7-8 REN 1-2 CN 1-11 CL 3-5 MAP 3-4 CRS 1-29 SRL 1-8 DEF 1-6 IND 1-5 (FRONT COVER) FRONT COVER (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION 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 5 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, 2007 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 8 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 E. Loss Assessments ............................................................................................... GR 11 F. Improvements and Betterments and Tenant’s Coverage .................................... GR 12 X. SPECIAL RATING SITUATIONS ................................................................................. GR 12 A. Tentative Rates .................................................................................................... GR 12 B. Submit-For-Rate................................................................................................... GR 12 C. Provisional Rates ................................................................................................. GR 12 D. Buildings in More Than One Flood Zone ............................................................. GR 12 XI. MISCELLANEOUS RULES.......................................................................................... GR 12 A. Policy Term .......................................................................................................... GR 12 B. Application Submission........................................................................................ GR 13 C. Delivery of the Policy............................................................................................ GR 13 D. Assignment........................................................................................................... GR 13 E. Producers’ Commissions (Direct Business Only) ................................................ GR 13 F. Contract Agent Rule............................................................................................. GR 13 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 October 1, 2007 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 24 G. Crawl Space......................................................................................................... RATE 24A 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................................................................................................ CONDO 7 D. Coinsurance ......................................................................................................... CONDO 7 E. Assessment Coverage......................................................................................... CONDO 7 iv October 1, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) SECTION PAGE V. DEDUCTIBLES AND FEES ......................................................................................... CONDO 8 A. Deductibles........................................................................................................... CONDO 8 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 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. PHOTOGRAPH REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................. CERT 1 III. USING THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ................ CERT 2 Section A - Property [Owner] Information .................................................................... CERT 2 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 3 Section E - Building Elevation Information (Survey Not Required) for Zone AO and Zone A (Without BFE) ................................................................................................ CERT 3 Section F - Property Owner (or Owner's Representative) Certification........................ CERT 3 Section G - Community Information (Optional) ............................................................ CERT 3 IV. FLOODPROOFING CERTIFICATE ............................................................................. CERT 3 A. Purpose and Eligibility.......................................................................................... CERT 3 B. Specifications ....................................................................................................... CERT 3 C. Rating................................................................................................................... CERT 4 D. Certification .......................................................................................................... CERT 4 v October 1, 2007 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 I. Coverage Offered................................................................................................. MPPP 3 J. Policy Form .......................................................................................................... MPPP 4 K. Waiting Period...................................................................................................... MPPP 4 L. Premium Payment................................................................................................ MPPP 4 M. Underwriting--Application..................................................................................... MPPP 4 N. Rates.................................................................................................................... MPPP 4 O. Policy Declaration Page Notification Requirements............................................. MPPP 4 P. Policy Reformation--Policy Correction ................................................................. MPPP 5 Q. Coverage Basis--Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost................................. MPPP 5 R. Deductible ............................................................................................................ MPPP 5 S. Federal Policy Fee ............................................................................................... MPPP 5 T. Renewability......................................................................................................... MPPP 5 U. Cancellations........................................................................................................ MPPP 6 V. Endorsement........................................................................................................MPPP 6 W. Assignment to a Third Party................................................................................. MPPP 6 X. Article XIII--Restriction on Other Flood Insurance ............................................... MPPP 6 GENERAL CHANGE ENDORSEMENT..................................................................................... END 1 I. ENDORSEMENT RULES............................................................................................. END 1 A. Coverage Endorsements ..................................................................................... END 1 B. Rating Endorsements........................................................................................... END 1 C. Misrated Policy..................................................................................................... END 2 D. Conversion of Standard Rated Policy to PRP Due to Misrating or Map RevisionEND 2 E. Changing Deductibles.......................................................................................... END 2 F. Correcting Property Address................................................................................ END 2 II. ENDORSEMENT PROCESSING PRIOR TO POLICY RENEWAL (NFIP DIRECT BUSINESS ONLY) ..................................................................................................... END 3 A. During Last 90 Days of Policy Term .................................................................... END 3 B. During Last 75 Days of Policy Term .................................................................... END 3 C. Refunds Generated from Endorsement Processing ............................................ END 3 III. PREPARATION OF FORM .......................................................................................... END 3 A. General Instructions ............................................................................................. END 3 B. Refund Processing Procedures ........................................................................... END 3 IV. ENDORSEMENT RATING EXAMPLES ...................................................................... END 5 POLICY RENEWALS ................................................................................................................. REN 1 I. GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................... REN 1 II. RENEWAL NOTICE ..................................................................................................... REN 1 A. Renewing for the Same Coverage--Option A ...................................................... REN 1 B. Inflation Factor--Option B..................................................................................... REN 1 C. Nonrenewal and Cancellation .............................................................................. REN 1 III. PREMIUM PAYMENT DUE.......................................................................................... REN 1 IV. FINAL NOTICE............................................................................................................. REN 2 V. RENEWAL EFFECTIVE DATE DETERMINATION ..................................................... REN 2 VI. INSUFFICIENT RENEWAL INFORMATION................................................................ REN 2 VII. ENDORSEMENTS DURING RENEWAL CYCLE........................................................ REN 2 VIII. SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES.............................................................. REN 2 vii October 1, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) SECTION PAGE CANCELLATION/NULLIFICATION ........................................................................................... CN 1 I. PROCEDURES AND VALID REASONS ..................................................................... CN 1 A. Refund Processing Procedures ........................................................................... CN 1 B. Reason Codes for Cancellation/Nullification of NFIP Policies............................. CN 1 II. COMPLETING THE CANCELLATION/NULLIFICATION REQUEST FORM .............. CN 7 A. Current Policy Number......................................................................................... CN 7 B. Policy Term .......................................................................................................... CN 7 C. Agent Information................................................................................................. CN 7 D. Insured Mail Address ........................................................................................... CN 7 E. First Mortgagee .................................................................................................... CN 7 F. Other Parties Notified...........................................................................................CN 7 G. Property Location ................................................................................................. CN 7 H. Cancellation Reason Code .................................................................................. CN 8 I. Refund.................................................................................................................. CN 8 J. Signature.............................................................................................................. CN 8 CLAIMS ..................................................................................................................................... CL 1 I. INSURED'S RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................ CL 1 A. Filing a Claim........................................................................................................ CL 1 B. Appealing a Claim ................................................................................................ CL 1 II. PRODUCER'S RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................ CL 3 III. SINGLE ADJUSTER PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ............................................... CL 3 A. Schedule and Notification .................................................................................... CL 3 B. Training ................................................................................................................ CL 4 C. Producer Responsibilities..................................................................................... CL 4 IV. INCREASED COST OF COMPLIANCE (ICC) CLAIMS .............................................. CL 4 POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... POL 1 DWELLING FORM: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES, DECEMBER 2000 ........................................... POL 2 I. AGREEMENT............................................................................................................... POL 3 II. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................... POL 3 III. PROPERTY COVERED............................................................................................... POL 5 IV. PROPERTY NOT COVERED ...................................................................................... POL 10 V. EXCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................. POL 11 VI. DEDUCTIBLES ............................................................................................................ POL 12 VII. GENERAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................. POL 12 VIII. LIBERALIZATION CLAUSE ......................................................................................... POL 20 IX. WHAT LAW GOVERNS ............................................................................................... POL 20 CLAIM GUIDELINES IN CASE OF A FLOOD ...................................................................... POL 21 viii October 1, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) SECTION PAGE GENERAL PROPERTY FORM: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES, DECEMBER 2000............................................ POL 22 I. AGREEMENT............................................................................................................... POL 23 II. DEFINITIONS...............................................................................................................POL 23 III. PROPERTY COVERED............................................................................................... POL 25 IV. PROPERTY NOT COVERED ...................................................................................... POL 30 V. EXCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................. POL 31 VI. DEDUCTIBLES ............................................................................................................ POL 32 VII. GENERAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................. POL 32 VIII. LIBERALIZATION CLAUSE ......................................................................................... POL 39 IX. WHAT LAW GOVERNS ............................................................................................... POL 39 CLAIM GUIDELINES IN CASE OF A FLOOD ...................................................................... POL 40 RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM BUILDING ASSOCIATION POLICY: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES, DECEMBER 2000............................................ POL 42 I. AGREEMENT............................................................................................................... POL 43 II. DEFINITIONS...............................................................................................................POL 43 III. PROPERTY COVERED............................................................................................... POL 45 IV. PROPERTY NOT COVERED ...................................................................................... POL 50 V. EXCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................. POL 50 VI. DEDUCTIBLES ............................................................................................................ POL 51 VII. COINSURANCE ........................................................................................................... POL 52 VIII. GENERAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................. POL 53 IX. LIBERALIZATION CLAUSE ......................................................................................... POL 60 X. WHAT LAW GOVERNS ............................................................................................... POL 60 CLAIM GUIDELINES IN CASE OF A FLOOD ...................................................................... POL 61 ix May 1, 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) SECTION PAGE FLOOD MAPS ............................................................................................................................ MAP 1 I. OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. MAP 1 A. Types of Flood Maps............................................................................................ MAP 1 B. Map Information ................................................................................................... MAP 1 C. Communities Without a Map................................................................................ MAP 1 II. MAP ZONES ................................................................................................................ MAP 2 A. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) ................................................................. MAP 2 B. Moderate, Minimal Hazard Areas ........................................................................ MAP 2 III. LOCATING A SPECIFIC PROPERTY ON A MAP....................................................... MAP 2 IV. CHANGING OR CORRECTING A FLOOD MAP......................................................... MAP 3 A. Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)...................................................................... MAP 3 B. Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) ........................................................................... MAP 3 C. Physical Map Revision ......................................................................................... MAP 3 V. ORDERING FLOOD MAPS.......................................................................................... MAP 4 A. Ordering Instructions............................................................................................ MAP 4 B. Prices ................................................................................................................... MAP 4 C. Map Revisions...................................................................................................... MAP 4 PROVISIONAL RATING............................................................................................................. PR 1 I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... PR 1 II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... PR 1 III. REFORMATION ........................................................................................................... PR 1 A. Limitations ............................................................................................................ PR 1 B. Endorsement Procedure ...................................................................................... PR 1 C. Endorsement Alternative...................................................................................... PR 1 IV. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. PR 1 V. COMPLETING THE PROVISIONAL RATING QUESTIONNAIRE .............................. PR 2 A. General Directions ............................................................................................... PR 2 B. Guidance for Determining Building Elevated on Fill ............................................ PR 2 VI. PROVISIONAL RATING EXAMPLE ............................................................................ PR 4 COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM.......................................................................... CBRS 1 LIST OF COMMUNITIES ...................................................................................................... CBRS 3 COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ............................................................................................... CRS 1 I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... CRS 1 II. ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................. CRS 1 III. CLASSIFICATIONS AND DISCOUNTS....................................................................... CRS 1 x May 1, 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) SECTION PAGE IV. CRS ACTIVITIES THAT CAN DIRECTLY BENEFIT INSURANCE AGENTS............. CRS 1 ELIGIBLE COMMUNITIES.................................................................................................... CRS 2 GUIDANCE FOR SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES ............................................... SRL 1 I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................... SRL 1 II. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. SRL 1 III. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.............................................................................................. SRL 1 IV. MITIGATION.................................................................................................................SRL 2 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................. DEF 1 INDEX ..................................................................................................................................... IND 1 xi October 1, 2006 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 5 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 October 1, 2006 LIST OF TABLES (Continued) SECTION/TABLE PAGE CANCELLATION/NULLIFICATION Processing Outcomes for Cancellation/Nullification of a Flood Insurance Policy.................. CN 9 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 October 1, 2007 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 7 Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures...................................................... CERT 9 Elevation Certificate and Instructions - New Edition (2/13/2006).......................................... CERT 11 Elevation Certificate and Instructions - Old Edition (1/1/2003) ............................................. CERT 27 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 10 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 October 1, 2007 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (Continued) SECTION/ILLUSTRATION PAGE PROVISIONAL RATING Provisional Rating Questionnaire.......................................................................................... PR 3 Sample Notice to Accompany Provisionally Rated Policies.................................................. PR 5 GUIDANCE FOR SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES Agent’s 90-Day Notification Letter......................................................................................... SRL 3 Lender’s 90-Day Notification Letter....................................................................................... SRL 5 Policyholder’s 90-Day Notification Letter .............................................................................. SRL 7 (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION xv October 1, 2006 (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION (TABLE OF CONTENTS) TABLE OF CONTENTS (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION 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 underwriting 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 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 Severe Repetitive Loss section of this manual for more information. REF 2 May 1, 2007 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 Severe 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) National Flood Insurance Program P.O. Box 70936 Charlotte, NC 28272-0936 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 October 1, 2006 NFIP GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ALL NFIP STAKEHOLDERS TOPIC MAIL, E-MAIL & WEBSITE ADDRESSES TELEPHONE & FAX NUMBERS* Agent Referral Program Information & Sign-up Form https://agents.floodsmart.gov Phone 1-888-786-7693 CBRS Areas – Map Panel Listing http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/cbrs/cbrs.shtm N/A Community Status Book (order hardcopy or CD-ROM, or download PDF) FEMA Map Service Center P.O. Box 1038 Jessup, MD 20794-1038 http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm Phone 1-800-358-9616 Fax 1-800-358-9620 FEMA Information Resource Library, Multimedia http://www.fema.gov/library/index.jsp N/A Flood Insurance Manual (order hardcopy or CD-ROM, or download PDF) FEMA Map Service Center P.O. Box 1038 Jessup, MD 20794-1038 http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/manual.shtm Phone 1-800-358-9616 Fax 1-800-358-9620 Flood Map Information from FEMA Map Specialists on: - Letters of Map Change - Other Technical Issues FEMA Map Assistance Center 3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 600 Alexandria, VA 22304 femamapspecialist@mapmodteam.com Phone 1-877-336-2627 Flood Maps, Flood Insurance Studies, and Q3 Data (order hardcopy or CD-ROM) 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 Flood Zone Determination Companies, List of http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/fzone1.shtm N/A General Information for Agents & Consumers http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/index.jsp N/A Supply Order Forms (bulk hardcopy orders): - 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 http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/wshops.shtm; http://training.nfipstat.com/portal2/default.asp Phone (see REF 5-6) Watermark & e-Watermark Newsletters http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/wm.shtm; http://watermark.nfipstat.com/index.htm N/A Write Your Own (WYO) Companies, List of http://www.fema.gov/nfipInsurance/companies.jsp Phone 1-800-480-2520 (item 073, “The Choice Is Yours”) *Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-447-9487 REF 4 October 1, 2007 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. The latest contact information for both NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent and FEMA regional offices is available at http://www.fema.gov/about/contact/regions.shtm. NFIP BUREAU AND NFIP BUREAU AND SERVICE STATISTICAL AGENT STATISTICAL AGENT AREA REGIONAL OFFICES REGIONAL STAFF Region I Suite 200 Robert Archila Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 140 Wood Road Regional Manager New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Braintree, MA 02184-2513 Vermont Phone: 781-848-1908 Fax: 781-356-4142 Region II Executive Quarters Q-13 Walter McGuckin New Jersey, New York 1930 East Marlton Pike Regional Manager Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: 856-489-4005 Fax: 856-424-7112 Region III Executive Quarters Q-24 Richard Sobota, CPCU Delaware, District of Columbia, 1930 East Marlton Pike Territorial Manager Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 West Virginia Phone: 856-489-4003 Fax: 856-751-2817 Region IV – Atlanta Office P.O. Box 2706 Roger Widdifield Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Suwanee, GA 30024-0984 Territorial Manager Mississippi, North Carolina, South Phone: 770-887-6865 Carolina, Tennessee Fax: 770-887-6878 Region IV – Tampa Office P.O. Box 1046 Lynne Magel Florida Zephyrhills, FL 33539-1046 Program Specialist Phone: 813-779-9642 Fax: 813-779-3085 REF 5 October 1, 2007 NFIP BUREAU AND STATISTICAL AGENT REGIONAL OFFICES Region V Suite 123 18008 Wolf Road Orland Park, IL 60467-5407 Phone: 708-326-3072 Fax: 708-326-3074 Region VI Suite 108 15835 Park Ten Place Houston, TX 77084-5131 Phone: 281-829-6880 Fax: 281-829-6879 Region VII Suite 3 401 South Main Street Ottawa, KS 66067-2300 Phone: 785-242-1097 Fax: 785-242-4338 Region VIII 12420 W. 20th Avenue Lakewood, CO 80215-1065 Phone: 303-275-3475 Fax: 303-275-3471 Region IX Suite 103 1532 Eureka Road Roseville, CA 95661-3054 Phone: 916-780-7889 Fax: 916-780-7905 Region X P.O. Box 602 Bothell, WA 98041-0602 Phone: 425-482-0316 Fax: 425-908-7639 NFIP BUREAU AND STATISTICAL AGENT REGIONAL STAFF Richard Slevin Regional Manager Dorothy Martinez, CFM Regional Manager Dean Ownby, CPCU Territorial Manager Norman Ashford, CPCU Territorial Manager George Blaufuss Regional Manager Leslie Melville, CFM Regional Manager SERVICE AREA Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virgin Islands Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington REF 6 May 1, 2007 PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE GENERAL—This information is provided pursuant to Public Law 96-511 (Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, as amended), dated December 11, 1980, to allow the public to participate more fully and meaningfully in the Federal paperwork review process. AUTHORITY—Public Law 96-511, amended; 44 U.S.C. 3507; and 5 CFR 1320 DISCLOSURE OF BURDEN—Public reporting burden for the collection of information entitled "National Flood Insurance Program Policy Forms," is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, excluding the V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form. The estimated burden includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the forms. Reporting burden for these forms, as part of this collection, is listed below. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any aspect of the collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0006). NOTE: Do not send completed forms to this address. PRIVACY ACT—The information requested is necessary to process these forms for flood insurance. The authority to collect the information is Title 42, U.S. Code, Sections 4001 to 4028. Furnishing the information is voluntary. It will not be disclosed outside the Federal Emergency Management Agency except to the servicing office acting as the government's fiscal agent, to routine users, to agents, and mortgagees named on policies. FEMA FORM NUMBER TITLE BURDEN HOURS 81-16 Application for Flood Insurance (New) 12.00 Minutes 81-16 Application for Flood Insurance (Renewal) 7.50 Minutes 81-17 Cancellation/Nullification Request 7.50 Minutes 81-18 General Change Endorsement (w/Premium) 9.00 Minutes 81-18 General Change Endorsement (w/o Premium) 9.00 Minutes 81-25 V-Zone Risk Factor Rating 6.00 Hours 81-67 Preferred Risk Application 15.00 Minutes REF 7 May 1, 2007 (TABLE OF CONTENTS) TABLE OF CONTENTS (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION (TABLE OF CONTENTS) TABLE OF CONTENTS (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION 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. Severe Repetitive Loss Properties These must be processed by the NFIP Special Direct Facility. See the Severe Repetitive Loss section of this manual for information. GR 4 October 1, 2007 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). However, if access is available through a doorway or opening, then the structure must be insured as one building unless the building is self contained; it is a separately titled building 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, 2007 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 binders or certificates 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. Use the application date or endorsement date plus 9 days to determine if the application or endorsement and premium payment were received within 10 days. When sent by certified mail, use the application date or endorsement date plus 3 days to determine if the application or endorsement and premium payment were mailed within 4 days. 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 GR 8 October 1, 2007 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 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. This rule applies to all property owners including condominium associations. 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. Otherwise, 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 GR 9 October 1, 2006 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 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 waiting period rule listed under B.1 or B.2 above must be used. 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. 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 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 after the endorsement effective date. 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 Standard Flood Insurance Policy (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 non- GR 10 May 1, 2007 residential structures and residential structures 3. Residential Condominium Building Asso with basements that satisfy FEMA's standards ciation Policy (RCBAP), section VIII, published in the Code of Federal Regulations [44 paragraph G. CFR 60.6 (b) or (c)]. E. Loss Assessments ICC coverage is mandatory for all SFIPs, except that coverage is not available for: The SFIP provides limited coverage for loss assessments against condominium unit owners for 1. Policies issued or renewed in the flood damage to common areas of any building Emergency Program. owned by the condominium association. The RCBAP does not provide assessment coverage. 2. Condominium units, including townhouse/ The Dwelling Form provides assessment coverage rowhouse condominium units. (The only under the circumstances, and to the extents, condominium association is responsible for described below. complying with mitigation requirements.) 1. No RCBAP 3. Group Flood Insurance Policies. • If the unit owner purchases building 4. Appurtenant structures, unless covered by coverage under the Dwelling Form and a separate policy. there is no RCBAP, the Dwelling Form ICC coverage contains exclusions in addition to responds to a loss assessment against those highlighted here. See the policy for a list of the unit owner for damages to common exclusions. areas, up to the building coverage limit under the Dwelling Form. To be eligible for claim payment under ICC, a • If there is damage to building elements of structure must: the unit as well, the building coverage limit a. Be a repetitive loss structure as defined, for under the Dwelling Form may not be which NFIP paid a previous qualifying claim, exceeded by the combined settlement of in addition to the current claim. The state or unit building damages, which would apply community must have a cumulative, first, and the loss assessment. substantial damage provision or repetitive loss provision in its floodplain management 2. RCBAP Insured to at Least 80 Percent of the law or ordinance being enforced against the Building Replacement Cost structure; OR • If the unit owner purchases building b. Be a structure that has sustained substantial coverage under the Dwelling Form and there is an RCBAP insured to at least 80 flood damage. The state or community must have a substantial damage provision in percent of the building replacement cost at the time of loss, the loss assessment its floodplain management law or ordinance coverage under the Dwelling Form will being enforced against the structure. pay that part of a loss that exceeds 80 The ICC premium is not eligible for the deductible percent of the association’s building discount. First calculate the deductible discount, replacement cost. then add in the ICC premium for each policy year. • The loss assessment coverage under the D. Reduction of Coverage Limits or Dwelling Form will not cover the Reformation association’s policy deductible purchased by the condominium association. In the event that the premium payment received is not sufficient to purchase the amounts of • If there is damage to building elements of insurance requested, the policy shall be deemed the unit as well, the Dwelling Form pays to to provide only such insurance as can be repair unit building elements after the purchased for the entire term of the policy for the RCBAP limits that apply to the unit have been exhausted. The coverage combiamount of premium received. nation cannot exceed the building Complete provisions for reduction of coverage coverage limit under the Dwelling Form. limits or reformation are described in: 3. RCBAP Insured to Less than 80 Percent of 1. Dwelling Form, section VII, paragraph G. the Building Replacement Cost 2. General Property Form, section VII, • If the unit owner purchases building paragraph G. coverage under the Dwelling Form and GR 11 May 1, 2007 there is an RCBAP insured to less than 80 percent of the building replacement cost at the time of loss, the loss assessment coverage cannot be used to reimburse the association for its coinsurance penalty. • The covered damages to the condominium association building must be greater than 80 percent of the building replacement cost at the time of loss before the loss assessment coverage becomes available under the Dwelling Form. Covered repairs to the unit, if applicable, would have priority over loss assessments. For more information on this topic, see “D. Assessment Coverage” on page CONDO 7 and Section III. C. 3. of the Dwelling Form, “Condominium Loss Assessments,” on page POL 8. F. Improvements and Betterments and Tenant’s Coverage Under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy, coverage for improvements and betterments is provided for tenants who have purchased personal property coverage. The maximum amount payable for this coverage, which applies to fixtures, alterations, installations, or additions made or acquired solely at the tenant’s expense and comprising part of an insured building, is 10 percent of the personal property limit of liability shown on the Declarations Page. Use of improvements and betterments coverage reduces the amount of coverage available for personal property. A tenant may purchase higher limits of coverage for improvements and betterments under the building coverage if the lease agreement with the building owner: • Requires that the tenant purchase insurance coverage for the tenant’s improvements and betterments that are made or acquired; and • States that the tenant is responsible for the repair of the building and/or improvements and betterments that become damaged. Duplicate coverage is not permitted under the NFIP, so only one policy can be issued for building coverage, and the amount of building coverage cannot exceed the maximum allowable under the Act. The policy may be issued either in the name of the building owner or in the names of the building owner and the tenant. 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 12 October 1, 2007 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. F. Contract Agent Rule A “Contract Agent” is an employee of a WYO Company, or an agent under written contract with a WYO Company, empowered to act on the company’s behalf and with authority to advise an applicant for flood insurance that the company will accept the risk. The effective date for a policy written through a Contract Agent has a waiting period that begins on the agent’s or employee’s receipt of the premium and completion of the application. An agent under written contract to a WYO Company is not a Contract Agent if the WYO Company reserves the right to reject the risk. The effective date for a policy not written through a Contract Agent has a waiting period that begins on the WYO Company’s receipt of the premium and completed application. To establish a Contract Agent relationship acceptable to the NFIP, the WYO Company must include the stipulations above in its written contract with the agent or employee. GR 13 October 1, 2007 (TABLE OF CONTENTS) TABLE OF CONTENTS (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION (PREVIOUS SECTION) PREVIOUS SECTION (TABLE OF CONTENTS) TABLE OF CONTENTS (NEXT SECTION) NEXT SECTION APPLICATION I. USE OF THE FORM The NFIP Flood Insurance Application form, or a similar form for WYO companies, must be used for all flood insurance policies except the Preferred Risk Policy. This section includes important guidance to carry out the regulatory intent and instructions on the rating of the different building types. The flood insurance rate to be applied to a building in the NFIP is determined by establishing: • Whether the building is Post-FIRM construction or Pre-FIRM construction. • The building description with regard to: - Building occupancy - Building type - Basement type - Elevated building type • The flood risk zone • The elevation of the building II. TYPES OF BUILDINGS For purposes of the NFIP, distinctions have been made among the following building types: • No basement - One floor - Split level - Two or more floors • Unfinished basement - Split level - Two or more floors • Finished basement - Split level - Two or more floors • Manufactured (mobile) home, including doublewide, or travel trailer, on foundation • Elevated building - No enclosure - With enclosure (including crawl space) APP 1 An elevated building is a building that has no basement and that has its lowest elevated floor raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, posts, piers, pilings, or columns. For Post-FIRM buildings in V Zones, elevated on solid perimeter foundation walls, submit the Application to the NFIP Bureau’s Underwriting Department for rating. III. SCHEDULED BUILDING POLICY 1. To obtain a Scheduled Building Policy, an Application must be completed for each building and/or contents for which coverage is requested. 2. For each scheduled building (building and/or contents coverage), the Federal Policy Fee is $30.00 per building 3. Al