NFIP ceases flood insurance program

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), established for those who suffered losses during the November nor'easter, has ceased issuing new policies, or renewing existing policies that cover flood damage.

Authorization to issue those policies expired on March 28. Congress must approve reauthorization of the program before any other policies are issued, increased or renewed, according to the SCC Bureau of Insurance.

The soonest Congress may act on this type of legislation would be after returning to session on April 12.

The SCC Bureau of Insurance says this will be especially tough on property owners who need to renew policies, purchase flood insurance as a condition for obtaining a mortgage from federally-regulated lenders and property owners refinancing existing mortgages.

Typical insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage to your home due to floods, according to Virginia Insurance Commissioner Alfred Gross.

For more information about flood insurance, contact your insurance agent or the NFIP at 1-888-379-9531 or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

The Bureau of Insurance has specially-trained staff to assist Virginians with their insurance questions and concerns. For additional information, contact the Bureau of Insurance toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit its website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi.

Consumers who are deaf or hearing or speech impaired may call through the SCC's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206.