John Oliver describes Flood Insurance Program failures via talking seagull

John Oliver Last Week Tonight Flood Insurance Program

As hurricanes and flooding becomes increasingly problematic Oliver brought NFIP into the spotlight. The most recent episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver focused on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and its current widespread failings. This episode arrived at a time in which the issue is exceptionally relevant but isn’t necessarily in the public’s eye. NFIP is struggling from all sides and is in dire need of reform at the same time that floods plague the country. “Floods were everywhere this summer,” explained Oliver. Although they may…

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Mar-A-Lago carries NFIP flood insurance protection

Mar-a-Lago NFIP

At the same time that the federal program faces an uncertain future, the president’s Florida estate is covered by it. Mar-A-Lago, Donald Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida estate and club, has a flood insurance policy through NFIP. The National Flood Insurance Program is the controversial program selling coverage to policies traditionally refused by private insurers due to high risk. The Mar-A-Lago mansion and other buildings were shuttered and empty following a mandatory evacuation order. Should President Donald Trump’s estate have suffered flood damage from Hurricane Irma, it is covered by NFIP.…

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Hurricane Irma may force Florida’s private flood insurance market to prove its mettle

hurricane irma - florida private flood insurance market

Residents of the state are preparing to protect their properties and loved ones against the approaching storm. As Hurricane Irma makes its way through the Caribbean and ever closer to Florida, the insurance industry is bracing itself. This is particularly true of the private flood insurance market in the state. Advocates say Florida’s market is a solid model for making federal flood insurance coverage more affordable. Should Hurricane Irma make landfall in Florida, as the hopes and prayers go out to residents for their safety and to avoid damage to…

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Rising extreme weather risk places property insurance in uncomfortable position

extreme weather risks trend insurance industry

An increase in severe storms, flooding, wind, wildfires and other disasters are driving claims skyward. Flooding and wildfires are making massive headlines this summer and this extreme weather risk is placing considerable pressure on the property insurance industry. These types of disaster are spiking the number and cost of business and homeowners insurance claims. In fact, the extreme weather risk may have a greater economic toll on the insurance industry than any other industry in the world. Though insurers have been increasingly aware of the threat of climate change with…

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Federal flood insurance program stuck on hold as Hurricane Harvey tallies climb

Federal Flood Insurance - US Congress

Southeastern Texas was devastated by the storm, placing the focus back on NFIP and the GOP restructuring effort. The Federal flood insurance program is in limbo at the moment while Texans face catastrophe following Hurricane Harvey. The Republicans have been trying to restructure the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their goal has been to partially privatize it. NFIP is a subsidized program that costs taxpayers tens of billions in federal subsidies. The federal flood insurance program is facing an upcoming deadline of September 30. Unless Congress agrees to extend the…

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