Live Insurance News

National Flood Insurance Program continues to struggle in the US

August 20, 2015August 19, 2015 Logan B.

Federal program is still trying to resolve claims that it received 10 years ago The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program is still struggling to recover from 10 year-old claims that have yet to be resolved. Despite efforts to assist the program in its recovery, the program continues to have trouble when it comes to providing consumers with flood insurance protection and handling claims in an appropriate fashion. Many of the program’s financial issues can be traced back to Hurricane Katrina, which had a major financial impact on the U.S. as…

Munich Re enters into the private flood insurance market of the US

August 10, 2015August 8, 2015 S.Vagus

Insurer offers new product for homeowners in the United States Munich Reinsurance America has introduced a new insurance product in the United States that may be a benefit for some homeowners. It is a new flood insurance product designed for those living in low-to-moderate hazard flood zones in inland parts of the country. The new product will provide these homeowners with new options when it comes to flood protection, as this coverage had, for years, only been available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NFIP will have competition when…

Regulators finalize new flood insurance rule

June 26, 2015June 24, 2015 Nordstrom

Finalized rule places new requirements on banks Federal regulators have finalized a rule that will affect flood insurance policyholders. The rule requires banks to hold flood insurance premiums, associated fees, and loans on property located in flood zones in escrow. This rule will go into effect next years and banks will hold payments in escrow on “residential improved” properties as well as mobile homes. The finalized rule has been clarified to make it easier to understand. One of the clarifications involves the definition of detached structures that are excepted from…

Senator calls for changes to National Flood Insurance Program

May 26, 2015May 23, 2015 Logan B.

Flood insurance may need more reform in the future United States Senator Charles Schumer believes that major changes must be made to the National Flood Insurance Program. The federal program is typically the only place that homeowners can find flood protection, but this coverage is provided by private companies that work with the program. These companies have fallen under harsh criticism in recent years due to their handling of claims related to Hurricane Sandy and other disasters that have produced claims. Senator Schumer calls for changes to be made to…

Flood insurance rates to skyrocket higher in the US

April 2, 2015April 1, 2015 Logan B.

Flood protection will become significantly more expensive for coastal homeowners Flood insurance rates for coastal properties throughout the United States will rise in April. Rates will rise as a result of the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. The legislation was meant to address the growing issue of expensive flood insurance coverage. One of the provisions of the legislation was meant to delay rate increases for a time, but coastal properties are expected to see significant rate increases due to the other provisions of the law. Coastal properties are…