Congress approves short-term National Flood Insurance Program fix

In Washington D.C., Congress has given the nod to an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to maintain it until November 18, 2011, after having failed to pass a reforming bill for the program. It is hoped that this extension will provide enough time for a reported deal to close, which is supported by both parties. What this means to homeowners in any of the 20,000 communities that take part in the NFIP, is that if you will be purchasing a home or if you are attempting to…

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FEMA loosens insurance requirements for Calaveras County amidst community outcry

FEMA has been on the receiving end of harsh criticism lately for decision the agency made in the wake of recent storms that tore through Southern U.S. The agency issued a sleuth of new rules regarding insurance coverage for areas that may or may not be in danger of flooding. Some of the regions included in FEMA’s flood insurance mandate have not actually seen high waters in decades; such is the case in Calaveras County, California. Hundreds of homeowners and businesses have been affected by the mandate and claim that…

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Insurance industry infighting may delay Congressional action on National Flood Insurance Program

A fight amongst lobbying groups could put a hold on Congress’ decision regarding the ailing National Flood Insurance Program. The program, which provides millions with access to affordable flood insurance, has been wracked with crippling debt for several years and has finally run out of money and reached a point where it could no longer be sustained. Last month, lawmakers allotted more money to the program in an effort to ensure its survival for another five years, but the plan failed when confronted by the program’s enormous debt. Lawmakers were…

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Grants from FEMA may help to fill insurance gaps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and disaster officials are continuing to request that people who have been affected by the results of Hurricane Irene to contact FEMA and register with them, even if they are already receiving payments from their insurance companies to help cover the damages. The issue that is concerning disaster and recovery officials right now is that many people are under the impression that the money they receive from their insurance companies is all that is available to them in terms of recovery aid when this…

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Senate passes bill to prolong the National Flood Insurance Program for a short period while trying to resolve issues

Recent storm bringing widespread flood damage have brought the issue of flood insurance into the limelight. Despite it being required in some areas prone to flooding, flood insurance is rare throughout the country. Many insurance companies do not offer such coverage because the potential for loss. Those that do offer the coverage do so at a high price, making it, in some cases, unaffordable for homeowners. Complicating matters is the ailing National Flood Insurance Program, which is meant to provide consumers with affordable access to flood insurance. The program is…

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