This is a presentation outlining the changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) after Congress passed the reform act in June of 2012.

1. National Flood
Insurance Program
At the end of June 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance
Reform Act of 2012 as a part of H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation
Conference Report.
Within this bill, the National Flood Insurance Program was reauthorized for
five years, but substantial changes were made to the program.

2. National Flood Insurance Program
ISSUE: Congress reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for
5 years ensuring properties will have available, affordable protection.
WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH NFIP?
80% of properties covered by the NFIP are already paying full actuarial rates,
but 20% of were paying subsidized rates.
Prior to passage of the bill, it was estimated by the Congressional Budget
Office that subsidized properties were only paying 40% of their true actuarial
risk.
With the NFIP $18 billion in debt and federal deficits at an all time high –
subsidies of any kind were on the chopping block
Ongoing taxpayer subsidies first enacted in 1975 meant two houses on the
same block with the same value and risk could be paying different insurance
rates

3. National Flood Insurance Program
WHAT THE REAUTHORIZATION DOES:
Solves the Wind v. Water issue – establishes a formula for NFIP and wind insurers to pay where
property damage cannot be attributed to wind or water, settling a long-standing dispute and avoiding
further lawsuits
Clarifies that the aggregate coverage limit is $250,000 for each 1-4 unit multifamily building, and
$500,000 for each business structure and $500,000 for the contents.
Improves the accuracy of floodplain maps by establishing a technical council of experts to review
and set the standards
Establishes an independent appeals board for homeowners and communities to resolve their
flood map disputes with FEMA
Reimburses homeowner’s appeal expenses when successfully challenging a flood map
Clarifies that multi-family property owners with 5 or more units are eligible for up to $500,000
in structural coverage under the NFIP, the same as a business property. This does not preclude
individuals residing in those properties from buying their own NFIP contents coverage.
Clarifies that the aggregate coverage limit is $250,000 for each 1-4 unit multifamily building, and
$500,000 for each business structure and $500,000 for the contents.

4. National Flood Insurance Program
WHO IS GOING TO SEE A RATE INCREASE:
IF YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY – PRIMARY OR SECOND HOME THAT IS NOT PRE-
1975 (i.e. NOT SUBSIDIZED, which is 80% of all properties with flood insurance)
You will most likely see nominal rate changes similar to before the legislation
IF YOU HAVE A SECOND HOME, BUSINESS, OR REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTY BUILT
BEFORE 1975 THAT WAS STILL RECEIVING A SUBSIDY:
Your premium will increase by no more than 25% a year over 4 years until you are paying
“full actuarial rates”
IF YOU HAVE A PRIMARY RESIDENCE THAT WAS BUILT BEFORE 1975 THAT WAS STILL
RECEIVING A SUBSIDY:
Your premium will increase by no more than 20% a year over 5 years until you are paying
“full actuarial rates”
IF YOU ARE NEWLY MAPPED INTO A FLOOD PLAIN:
The initial rate for any property newly mapped or updated/revised into a mandatory
purchase area would be subsidized (50 percent of actuarial) but then increase by 20
percent per year thereafter, until premiums reach the full (actuarial) cost.

5. Questions?
Ryan Castle
Government Affairs Director
Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS
Ryan@CharlestonRealtors.com
843.793.5212
@ryanfcastle
www.ryanfcastle.com