A group of insurance industry organizations recently released a joint statement regarding the status of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the wake of the ongoing government shutdown.
The American Insurance Association, Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America addressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) intention to halt regular operations under the current status.
“This decision comes despite Congress passing and the President signing legislation last week specifically intended to keep the program operating during the shutdown,” the group’s noted in the statement. “The decision to stop issuing and renewing NFIP policies, for the time being, is a rebuke of the clear intent of Congress and President. The inability of FEMA to act as directed by our elected officials is disappointing.”
Officials said the leadership shown by Congress to ensure Americans in flood-prone areas have continued access to flood insurance is commendable.
“We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to find solutions to close the flood insurance gap and grow the number of property owners covered by flood insurance through the NFIP and the private market,” the industry organizations added. “In the meantime, we urge FEMA to rethink their decision.”