FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 Now Live
On October 1, 2021, FEMA began phasing in a new flood insurance pricing system called Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action. These rate changes are scheduled to take effect for new flood insurance policies on October 1, 2021 and for existing policy renewals on April 1, 2022.
NAR policy supports Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action, which prices flood insurance for each home individually rather than by flood zone. FEMA has not updated its rating system in 50 years. By adopting modern insurance industry technologies, standards and practices, FEMA will be able to rate more precisely and accurately by using more flood risk factors and property-specific characteristics, including each building’s unique elevation, distance to water and cost to rebuild. The new rating system will only affect NFIP risk-based rates and will not change flood mapping or insurance requirements. Buyers may assume seller policies, and any increases cannot exceed 18 percent per year by law.
WATCH: The S.C. Good Life Podcast: NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 featuring Lisa Sharrard
Where Can I Find More Information About FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action?
As FEMA implements the new pricing system, some owners and buyers may have questions about flood insurance rate changes. Real estate agents and brokers are an information source, not flood or insurance experts. You can provide the facts that every home in America has some flood risk, and a flood insurance rate quote from a licensed insurance professional can help your clients make better-informed decisions. You can also be ready with contact information for a few NFIP and private market insurance agents, licensed surveyors/engineers, and other flood risk professionals (e.g., your local government floodplain manager) who can offer risk assessment and mitigation resources and answer property-specific questions.
NAR has developed the following comprehensive packet of educational information for NAR members to talk with customers about Risk Rating 2.0:
FEMA-NAR Flyer for Homeowners
NAR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NAR Member Legal Guidance
NAR-FEMA Toolkit: Disaster Preparedness
FEMA Consumer Resources
