FEMA to Allow for Remote Inspection of Flood Losses

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a new COVID-19 Remote Claims Adjusting Guidance memorandum that allows for remote inspections of flood losses to protect the health and safety of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders and NFIP adjusters during the outbreak. Traditionally FEMA relies on in-person adjustments to administer NFIP claims. This process is when a flood insurance adjuster travels to a policyholder's house to investigate a loss and develops estimates to repair or replace covered property. The new memorandum outlines who can perform remote claims adjusting, the role of the policy holder, the responsibilities of the insurer, and those situations that cannot be handled remotely. FEMA has also released an updated edition of the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual effective April 1. The manual is updated twice a year to enhance the customer experience and provide the agency an opportunity to incorporate scheduled program changes, address stakeholder feedback and clarify existing guidance. This updated edition of the Flood Insurance Manual does not change flood insurance coverage or supersede the terms and conditions of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.  To view the updates made to the manual or for more information on NFIP, visit the FEMA website. Access the latest NAHB news and business resources to respond to the coronavirus pandemic at nahb.org/coronavirus.