Eligible renters can receive a group flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program as part of the disaster assistance provided by FEMA if they intend to return to their rental housing.
By THE STAR STAFF
Renters who received disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for flood-damaged personal property in the home and choose to return or continue to reside at this address must inform FEMA of their intention to remain in the rented unit. This requirement must be completed in order for FEMA to directly purchase a group flood insurance policy (GFIP) on behalf of the applicant.
Renters will receive a GFIP policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as part of the disaster assistance provided by FEMA, if they intend to return to their rental housing. However, they must notify FEMA of their intent within six months of receiving their determination letter by sending a written statement or through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
To assist survivors in their long-term recovery, FEMA directly procures GFIP certificates for a period of three years on behalf of applicants, who are required to obtain and maintain flood insurance as a condition of receiving federal assistance. When the flood insurance policy expires, the applicant is responsible for acquiring and maintaining their own coverage. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of future FEMA assistance for flood disasters.
Federal law requires survivors living in flood-risk areas who received FEMA assistance to cover NFIP-insurable losses to purchase and maintain flood insurance for their home while living on the affected property. A renters flood insurance policy is not transferable to new tenants at the same address and is not transferred with the tenant to another new address.
The NFIP will mail the renter a reminder of these requirements each year. It will also send a letter 60 days before the policy expires, as well as a notice of cancellation of coverage.
For more information, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit Floodsmart.gov/es or call 1-800-638-6620 .
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