RIMS: U.S. Government Shutdown Significantly Limits National Flood Insurance Program

**** FEMA HAS RECTIFIED THESE LIMITATIONS AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2019 ****

FEMA Issues Guidance on Flood Program’s Limitations

NEW YORK (December 27, 2018) – Despite being extended through May 31, 2019, RIMS, the risk management society™, warns members that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will operate the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at limited capacity during the government shutdown.

The appropriation of FEMA’s funds earmarked for flood insurance policies expired on December 22nd along with many other government agencies and programs. While claims processes will proceed to function normally, the NFIP will carry the following limitations during the government shutdown:

·        no new policies will be issued

·        no changes can be made to existing policies

·        renewal policies will not be issued

Additionally, NFIP insurers are not permitted to collect premiums for the issuance, renewal, or monetary endorsements of NFIP policies. Such actions would violate the Anti-Deficiencies Act.

“Limitations on the NFIP can have serious repercussions, but it is RIMS hopes that the government shutdown concludes quickly and that FEMA remedies this situation as soon as it is able,” said RIMS CEO Mary Roth. “Until that time, RIMS External Affairs Committee will continue to monitor developments in Washington, D.C. and share pertinent information, enabling our membership to prepare their organizations to the best of their ability.”

A long-term reauthorized NFIP bill would provide critical financial support to a wide-range of businesses experiencing flood emergencies and continues to be a RIMS legislative priority. The NFIP was the focus of the Society’s 2018 Legislative Summit held in October in Washington, DC. Additionally, this November, RIMS signed a joint letter with other insurance, real estate and banking organizations, urging Congress to take immediate action to avoid a lapse in the program.

RIMS’ Political Action Committee (RISK PAC) has been soliciting donations to allow the Society to continue to engage and support Members of Congress who have demonstrated their commitment to the reauthorization of the NFIP. For more information about RISK PAC or to donate, visit www.riskpac.org.

About RIMS

As the preeminent organization dedicated to promoting the profession of risk management, RIMS, the risk management society®, is a global not-for-profit organization representing more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and government entities throughout the world. Founded in 1950, RIMS is committed to advancing risk management capabilities for organizational success, bringing networking, professional development and education opportunities to its membership of more than 10,000 risk management professionals who are located in more than 60 countries. For more information on RIMS, visit www.RIMS.org.