Flood loss avoidance coverage under NFIP
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This document explains what flood loss avoidance expenses the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) will reimburse and the eligibility conditions for those expenses. It is intended for NFIP policyholders and agents to understand covered preventative measures and how to submit claims.
No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.
Covered Flood Loss Avoidance Expenses & Criteria
Covered flood loss avoidance expenses
Covered when ALL of the following are met
See chunk 3 for exact triggers
See chunk 3 for limits and deductible
See chunks 6,7,9,12,10,13 for details
See chunk 5 for receipts guidance
This policy summary does not attempt to list every local or geographic restriction that may affect flood loss avoidance coverage. For details about eligibility in specific communities, consult the Flood Insurance Manual, NFIP Claims Manual and NFIP Claims Handbook and contact your local floodplain administrator or insurance agent. After a flood, policyholders should talk to their agent or insurer to begin a claim for reimbursement and to confirm any locality-specific requirements or exclusions.
Coding and Duration Limits
Provider Responsibilities and Operational Guidance
Consult NFIP manuals and local floodplain officials for large projects
For larger mitigation projects, review FEMA guidance and consult local floodplain administrators before proceeding.
- Review the Flood Insurance Manual, NFIP Claims Manual and NFIP Claims Handbook at fema.gov/floodinsurance/work-with-nfip/manuals.
- Consult with your local floodplain administrator as directed by FEMA resources.
Use combined measures (e.g., pumps + sandbags) for best effect
Use multiple flood loss avoidance measures together for the most effective protection.
- Combine pumps and sandbags where appropriate.
- Secure plastic sheeting over sandbag barriers or use sandbags, levees and pumps in combination to improve protection.
Retain receipts for all flood loss avoidance purchases
Keep and submit receipts to support claims for reimbursement of covered flood loss avoidance expenses.
- Retain copies of all receipts for your insurance agent, flood insurer, or claims adjuster to ensure eligibility and repayment.
Eligibility requires a nearby general flooding condition or official civil order
Expenses are eligible only when a community-level flooding condition exists or an official evacuation/civil order is issued.
- Eligibility requires either a general and temporary condition of flooding near the location or an official evacuation order or other civil order for the community.
Background
Flood loss avoidance refers to proactive, preventative actions taken when flooding is expected to minimize or prevent flood damage to insured buildings and personal property. These measures — such as installing pumps, placing sandbags, building temporary levees with organic fill, using plastic sheeting and lumber in combination with barriers, and relocating property temporarily — are intended to reduce property damage and the financial burden that can follow imminent flooding.
Definitions
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