WYO Bulletin

Excerpt:

In previous bulletins, FEMA discussed wind and flood investigative tips and a logical approach in addressing claims that involve both perils. Attached for your review are previous bulletins that address adjusting practices: WYO Bulletins W-08008, dated February 25, 2008 “Wind/Water Investigative Tips”; and W-08070, dated September 25, 2008 “Flood Insurance Claims Guidance.”

The following will not ask adjusters to do much more than they currently do when approaching any flood or wind damaged building. There is no requirement for the flood adjuster to estimate the wind damage.

When adjusting wind/water losses the, adjuster should use established and proven investigative methods when documenting flood and wind damage to buildings and/or contents occurring during hurricane or storm events. “Wind/Water Investigative Tips” can be helpful.

The adjuster is asked to record the process they always use when approaching a wind/water claim. In addition to looking for signs of flood damage and/or a General Condition of Flood and documenting the exterior water line, the adjusters should note any exterior wind damage, such as missing shingles, turbine or fascia damage. The adjuster should also photograph this damage and mention what was observed in the narrative report.

Remember, the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) Pays Only For Direct Physical Loss by or From Flood to Insured Property. Once inside the building, the adjuster should always document the flood water line. Damage below this line is typically flood damage (exceptions like wicking should be noted in the narrative report). Damage above the flood water line is typically wind damage, such as water-stained ceilings or water damage at broken windows or exterior doors. This damage should also be photographed and mentioned in the narrative report.   "

NFIP Residential Condominium Building Association Policy

Quote From FEMA "The Residential Condominium Building Association Policy Form may be issued to condominium associations to insure eligible residential condominium buildings.

In participating NFIP Regular Program* communities only, provides building coverage and, if desired, coverage of commonly owned contents for residential condominium building with 75% or more of its total floor area in residential use.

*Regular Program - The final phase of a community's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. In this phase, a Flood Insurance Rate Map is in effect and full limits of coverage are available under the Act.

**Emergency Program -The initial phase of a community's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. During this phase, only limited amounts of insurance are available under the Act."

Quote from FEMA;

The Dwelling Policy Form may be issued to homeowners, residential renters and condominium unit-owners, owners of residential buildings containing two to four units.

In communities participating in the NFIP Regular Program* or Emergency Program** the dwelling policy provides building and/or contents coverage for:

• Detached, single-family, non-condominium residence with incidental occupancy limited to less than 50% of the total floor area;
• Two- to four- family, non-condominium building with incidental occupancy limited to less than 25% of the total floor area;
• Dwelling unit in residential condominium building;
• Residential townhouse/rowhouse
• Manufactured mobile homes

NFIP General Property Form

Quote from FEMA; 

The General Property Policy Form may be issued to owners or lessees of non-residential buildings or units, or residential condominium buildings that are uninsurable under the RCBAP.

In communities participating in the NFIP Regular Program* or Emergency Program** the General Property Policy provides building and/or contents coverage for these and similar “other residential” risks:

• Hotel or motel with normal guest occupancy of 6 months or more;
• Apartment building;
• Residential cooperative building;
• Dormitory;
• Assisted-living facility.

And non-residential risks:

• Shop, restaurant, or other business;
• Mercantile building;
• Grain bin, silo, or other farm building;
• Agricultural or industrial processing facility;
• Factory;
• Warehouse;
• Poolhouse, clubhouse, or other recreational building;
• House of worship;
• School;
• Hotel or motel with normal guest occupancy of less than 6 months;
• Licensed bed-and-breakfast inn;
• Retail;
• Nursing home;
• Non-residential condominium;
• Condominium building with less than 75% of its total floor area in residential use;
• Detached garage;
• Tool shed;
• Stock, inventory, or other commercial contents.

• Flash Flood Warning Warns of a rapidly developing flooding occurring within 6 hours of the causative event. [FFW]
• Flash Flood Statement Provides information that supplements earlier Flash Flood Warning. [FFS]
• Flood Watch Identifies areas where there is a risk of flooding, but flooding is not certain. [FFA]
• Flood Warning Warns of floods developing more than 6 hours after causative event. May provide information on forecast stream levels and describe impacts of past flooding at forecast levels. [FLW]
• Flood Statement Updates or expands information in previously issued Flood Warning. [FLS]

(information from the site)

NFIP Fee Schedule, 2008 revision

NFIP Claims Presentations are held from January through May so they do not interfere with hurricane season which begins in June.

Currently the workshops are provided by H2O Partners.

NFIP Bulletins for WYO (Write Your Own) Companies