Were entering a flood season where one-third of Americans are expected to experience flood events, after which were forecast to see above-average hurricane activity.
With people already experiencing financial shocks from COVID-19, it is all the more important that we take steps now to prepare for flooding.
We need three things: rapid innovation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), long-term authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the removal of regulatory barriers around private flood insurance.
FEMAs response to COVID-19 was swift and decisive: It extended its flood insurance premium payment grace period to 120 days (from 30). This offers homeowners breathing room and will go a long way toward ensuring homeowners maintain the protection they need while juggling other financial commitments.
The agency has also provided guidance for remote claims adjusting, which makes it possible for policyholders to have a flood loss adjusted without an adjuster physically visiting the property.