Funding for the National Flood Insurance Program has been extended until December 16th, 2011.
With the passing of yet another expiration date for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 18th, the federal government has approved a short-term funding bill that would extend this program until December 16th, 2011.
For the moment, many are content and relieved that the NFIP has avoided a lapse, but we are still left wondering this point, “When we can expect a long term reauthorization and further reforms in the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2011?” Will it in fact be passed in 2011? Judging by the past three short term extensions, it appears that we will have to wait until further notice for an answer to that question.
The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2011 would bring “significant restructuring of the cash strapped program by expanding mandatory coverage areas and introducing actuarily sound rates” (www.insurancenetworking.com). This Act would also seek more accurate methods of flood mapping and would also grant the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to collect claim payment information from private insurers participating in the “Write Your Own Program.”
According to Tom Santos, vice president of federal affairs at the American Insurance Association (AIA), “We’re pleased the NFIP isn’t going to lapse. However, this will be the third short-term extension in as many months. More certainty is needed and as such, AIA encourages Congress to pass a long-term extension with meaningful reforms that aim to strenthen the program.”
As we’ve said before, we stand waiting with high hopes that Congress will utilize this time to consider the long term extension and reform efforts of the National Flood Insurance Program.
