Flood insurance has new risks ahead

Flood Insurance

This federal program is already on shaky legs, but is facing even greater strains. The National Flood Insurance Program has never recovered from falling into $18 billion of debt after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and now it is headed back toward a position where its funds are running slim as the massive reconstruction effort after Sandy begin. Estimates at this point are saying that the superstorm could lead to the second highest bill for the program. Federal flood insurance claims will likely be second only to Katrina, as 115,000 have…

Read More

Flood insurance downfalls revealed following superstorms on the east coast

Flood Insurance Hurricane Sandy Jersey Shore

The damage, destruction, and devastation from Sandy revealed many flaws in the national program. The catastrophe and chaos that has been left behind on the Jersey Shore and other areas on the east coast is now being called a direct reflection of some of the many failings of the current flood insurance program and is drawing attention to issues that may be on the rise in the near and long term future due to climate change. The storm surge from the most recent superstorm came inland as far as half…

Read More

Flood insurance records show Sandy is third largest

Inusrance Industry Hurricane Sandy

The Superstorm off the Atlantic is predicted to be less expensive than only Hurricanes Katrina and Ike. The damage caused by Superstorm Sandy is now predicted to be the third most expensive faced by the National Flood Insurance Program in the United States, and will have the largest amount of cost outside of the Gulf Coast region of the country. The states that were hardest hit include New York and New Jersey. According to Bloomberg Government’s BGOV Barometer, those two states are covered for nearly $100 million in flood insurance,…

Read More

National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization by White House to benefit home builders

Disability Insurance

Construction workers see a solid employment future with the signing of the bill. The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) signing by the White House has brought only good news to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and its members, as they depend on that program for their jobs. The reauthorization of the program over the next five years and keep construction workers employed. The bill was signed with strong support from both Barbra Boxer, the Democratic leader, and Oklahoma Republican James Inhofe. According to President Obama, “This bill will…

Read More

The National Flood Insurance Program will live to see another day

Disability Insurance

Congress votes to keep the NFIP, which provides 5.6 million people with coverage On Friday, Congress gave its approval to extend the National Flood Insurance Program by another 5 years, ensuring that 5.6 million people will be able to maintain their current coverage. The decision was made to help to keep the fragile housing market from additional harm. If Congress had chosen not to renew the program, the result could have been devastating to the housing market, as prospective homeowners in areas considered at risk of flooding would not be…

Read More