Congressional Research Service Report: 'National Flood Insurance Program Risk Rating 2.0 – Frequently Asked Questions'

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (TNSRep) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. IN11777) on Oct. 15, 2021, entitled "National Flood Insurance Program Risk Rating 2.0: Frequently Asked Questions" by Diane P. Horn, flood insurance and emergency management analyst:

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CRS INSIGHT

This Insight answers some frequently asked questions about Risk Rating 2.0, which began on October 1, 2021, changing the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) calculates flood insurance premiums. For additional information, see CRS Report R45999, National Flood Insurance Program: The Current Rating Structure and Risk Rating 2.0, by Diane P. Horn.

What Is Risk Rating 2.0?

Risk Rating 2.0 is a new pricing methodology and represents the biggest change to the way the NFIP calculates flood insurance premiums since the program began in 1968. Premiums calculated under Risk Rating 2.0 reflect an individual property's specific flood risk and more types of flood risk, as opposed to being placed in a general risk category based on location and property type.

Why Is the NFIP Introducing Risk Rating 2.0?

The NFIP is updating its rating methodology to calculate flood insurance premiums for individual properties based on actual flood risk. This is intended to produce rates that are more equitable, and to inform policyholders of their true flood risk.

When Does Risk Rating 2.0 Start?

New NFIP policies written on or after October 1, 2021, use the new methodology. Renewing policyholders may choose between the new and old rating methods until April 1, 2022. After April 1, 2022, all policies will be priced using Risk Rating 2.0 methodology.

How Have Flood Insurance Premiums Been Calculated Previously?

The NFIP's rating structure followed the general insurance practices in place when the NFIP was established and has not fundamentally changed since the 1970s. It has used several basic characteristics to classify properties and assign rates. Structures have been evaluated by location within a flood zone on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), occupancy type, and elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This rating system has not taken into account the individual flood risk or the cost to rebuild, and considers two sources of flood risk: river flooding and coastal flooding.

How Are Premiums Calculated Under Risk Rating 2.0?

Premiums are calculated based on specific features of an individual property, including distance from water, type of flooding, flood frequency, structure foundation type, height of the lowest floor relative to BFE, and the structure's replacement cost value. Risk Rating 2.0 also adds pluvial flood risk--flooding from heavy rainfall.

Will Subsidized Premiums Increase Under Risk Rating 2.0?

Risk Rating 2.0 continues the phase-out of NFIP subsidies, which began with the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) and continued with the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (HFIAA). Properties currently grandfathered will see their premiums move towards a full risk-based rate under Risk Rating 2.0. New policies and those renewed under Risk Rating 2.0 will not be grandfathered, and all new policies will pay the full risk-based rate.

How Much Can Premiums Increase Annually?

The NFIP is not able to increase rates beyond statutory limits set in HFIAA, which allow premium increases of up to 18% annually for primary residences. Other categories of property are required to have their premium increased by 25% per year until they reach full risk-based rates, including (1) non-primary residences; (2) non-residential properties; (3) business properties; (4) properties with severe repetitive loss; (5) properties with substantial cumulative damage; and (6) properties with substantial damage or substantial improvement after July 6, 2012. In the first year of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums are capped at $12,125 for single-family homes.

My Premium Is Going Down Under Risk Rating 2.0. When Can I Move to the Lower Rate?

Existing policyholders with renewal dates between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, can take advantage of potential decreases in their premium under Risk Rating 2.0 at the time of renewal.

Are There Discounts for Flood Mitigation Activities?

Policyholders can receive mitigation credits for elevating a property, elevating machinery and equipment above the lowest floor, and installing flood openings below BFE. All policyholders in communities in the Community Rating System (CRS) are to receive discounts of 5%-45%, based on the community's CRS score.

How Have Average NFIP Premiums Changed in Recent Years?

Since HFIAA, NFIP average premiums have increased between 6% and 11% per year (see Table 1).

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[See link at end of text for Table 1. Percentage Increases in Selected NFIP Premiums, 2015-2021]

Source: Compiled by CRS from annual WYO Company Bulletins.

Notes: Rate increases for 2021 do not include changes from Risk Rating 2.0.

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Does Being Mapped into a Different Flood Zone Affect Premiums?

No, flood zones are no longer used in calculating a property's premium under Risk Rating 2.0. Instead, premiums are calculated based on the specific features of an individual property. Flood maps are still used for the mandatory purchase requirement and floodplain management.

Does Risk Rating 2.0 Change Requirements to Buy Flood Insurance?

No, if a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the owner is required to buy flood insurance to secure a federally-backed mortgage. Lenders use FIRMs to make this determination.

Can New Premiums Under Risk Rating 2.0 Be Appealed?

No appeal procedure has been established for changes under Risk Rating 2.0. Policyholders can appeal against NFIP flood maps, but this will not change insurance premiums.

How Are NFIP Premiums Changing in My State Under Risk Rating 2.0?

FEMA has posted state profiles showing changes under Risk Rating 2.0, and data at the county and zip code level can be downloaded. The Association of State Floodplain Managers has posted an interactive map showing projected premium changes under Risk Rating 2.0 at the state and zip code level.

Are Premiums Under Risk Rating 2.0 Affected by Changing Flood Risk Under Climate Change?

Premiums for a single year will not increase due to future climate change. However, if flood risk increases over time, premiums will increase to reflect the increased risk.

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View table and report at https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11777