Group Flood Insurance Purchased In 2016 Will Start To Expire In June

Wayne County News

CHARLESTON - In June 2016, West Virginia experienced one of the worst flooding disasters in its history. Thousands of homes were destroyed, many without flood insurance.

In July 2016, flash flooding resulted in the death of one woman and damage to dozens of homes in and near Huntington.

According to a news release from Lora Lipscomb, public information officer with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Charleston, homeowners who didn't have flood insurance and applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for financial assistance to aid with repairing their home could see a reduction of federal assistance in future flood events if they don't keep their commitment to maintain flood insurance.

"If you are a homeowner who received assistance from FEMA, it is possible you may have been automatically enrolled in a three-year group flood insurance policy. As part of the eligibility requirement to receive this assistance, homeowners make a commitment to maintain flood insurance for the life of the structure," the release said.

"This commitment remains with the property. In the event the property is sold, the new property owner will also be required to maintain flood insurance coverage on that structure. Failure to maintain flood insurance could result in the reduction of federal assistance in future flood events."

"Continuing to maintain flood insurance not only meets eligibility requirements for future disaster assistance, it provides greater protection for one of your most valued investments ... your home," Kevin Sneed, West Virginia National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coordinator, said in the release.

Starting in June 2019, these group flood insurance policies will begin expiring, according to the release.

"While FEMA's NFIP has been sending reminders to homeowners, your West Virginia NFIP coordinator's office encourages you to contact your insurance agent to inquire about maintaining flood insurance on your home," the release said.

For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program and ood insurance, call the National Flood Insurance General Call Center at 800-427-4661. If you have questions about your Group Flood Insurance Policy, call the National Flood Insurance Direct Call Center at 800-638-6620.