Commissioner Causey sets up 2024 WebEx flood insurance conferences

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will offer conferences across North Carolina to provide vital information regarding the need for flood insurance.

The 2024 conferences will be similar to ones offered in 2022 through WebEx and will, again, be free of charge to insurance agents, adjusters, real estate agents, engineers, architects, land surveyors and the public.

Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30.

"The flooding from past storms has devastated thousands of residents who didn't have flood insurance because they relied on their homeowners' policy, which does not cover damage from rising water," said Commissioner Causey. "Forecasters have predicted record warm ocean temperatures with a potential La Nina that could create 'perfect storm' conditions. It is our hope to eventually see all North Carolina protected in the event of a flood or a mudslide."

North Carolina residents now have greater flood coverage options than ever before. Flood insurance is available from the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Commissioner Causey also approved a statewide, private flood insurance program that participating companies can now offer to residents living anywhere in the state.

"One of your top priorities should be to ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage for the dangerous storms that could wipe out our homes and possessions in a flash," said Commissioner Causey. "It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect, so now is the time to contact your agent to see if you have the right coverage."

Residents should also be aware of the following:

Most homeowners' and renters' insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, although most mobile homeowners' and comprehensive auto policies do.

A landlord's insurance policy likely won't cover damage to a renter's personal property.

The National Flood Insurance Program takes 30 days to take effect. Waiting to take out a flood policy once a storm or hurricane is in motion will be too late.

Just because there's no longer a mortgage on a home does not nullify the need for homeowners' insurance.

To ensure residents are adequately prepared for the 2024 hurricane season, Commissioner Causey is offering free continuing education course credits for insurance agents and adjusters who attend the conference. Real estate agents are also approved to receive free continuing education credit. Engineers and land surveyors can use their "self-report" opportunity available and utilize 21 NCAC 56.1706 recordkeeping to retain the information for three years. Licensed architects are also approved for 4 HSW hours of continuing education credit. The course was approved by AIA. NCAIA will assist in the process of awarding the 4 HSW hours of continuing education credit.

In order to be awarded four hours of continuing education credit, registration will be required on the NCDOI webpage and through the WebEx invitation. Therefore, please register on the NCDOI webpage at ncdoi.gov/webex-virtual-flood-insurance-ce-conferences.

A WebEx Invitation will be sent, separately. To participate in the event, you must pre-register with WebEx. Upon registering with WebEx, registered participants will receive details on how to join the flood conference from WebEx.

The flood insurance conference will feature the expertise of Flood Insurance Specialist Charlotte Hicks, CPA, CIC, AAI, ARM, NCDPS- Emergency Management, and FEMA officials who will discuss the modernization of flood maps and other topics.

All conferences will be virtual and hosted through WebEx. To find the available times and dates, go to ncdoi.gov/webex-virtual-flood-insurance-ce-conferences.

For more information, contact Tracy Biehn at [email protected].