On October 13, 2017, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) updated the NFIP Adjuster Claims Manual by adding an addendum providing additional guidance on special adjustment issues surrounding perimeter wall sheathing. The addendum expands upon and replaces existing guidance found at Paragraph P of Section VIII of the NFIP Adjuster Claims Manual.

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused widespread flooding in Texas, Louisiana, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the southeast United States. Due to the catastrophic impacts of these hurricanes and the increased demand for flood insurance adjusters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is increasing the amount it will pay to adjust flood insurance claims.

The entire insurance industry is searching for qualified individuals to join the ranks of claims adjusters to handle losses from Harvey, Irma, and future events. FEMA recognizes the specialized knowledge required to properly adjust NFIP losses. Adjusters must know the differences between the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) and private industry property insurance forms. They must know interpretations of coverage made by FEMA and the unique reporting requirements of the NFIP. Accordingly, FEMA maintains a list of adjusters authorized to handle NFIP losses.

A note about the use of the term “Authorized NFIP Adjuster” rather than “Certified NFIP Adjuster”: It is FEMA’s position that certification requires a more formal course of study and the successful passing of a series of examinations before certification is awarded, such is the case with Certified Public Accounts. Also, the FCN will now be referred to as the Flood Control Number.

The NFIP offers free online courses in basic and advanced flood insurance topics through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute. NFIP Training courses are free and open to anyone. Click on a link below to begin your self study course. 

 

(note: we first posted this in December of 2015, but it was deleted in error)

This chart shows provides a coverage comparison of the following NFIP policies. 

The Three Policy Forms 
There are three policy forms – Dwelling Form, the General Property Form, and the 
Residential Condominium Building Association Policy. Each is used to insure a different type 
of property. All, however, contain certain terms and condition (e.g., Mortgage Clause, 
Reformation of Coverage) that are unique to flood insurance.
 

source: NFIP