Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Flood Insurance Becoming More Expensive

Private insurance companies do not offer flood insurance for properties that are in the flood plain. Using tax payer funds, the National Flood Insurance Program provides subsidized flood insurance. The program borrowed $18 billion to pay claims from the Katrina hurricane, and had just $3 billion in borrowing power left prior to the Sandy super storm, which could require $6 to $12 billion in payouts.

Flood insurance premiums will increase an average of 20% in January on second homes and businesses. Houses built before there was a NFIP have rates that are half those of new construction. The discounted policies will be gradually eliminated through annual 25% premium increases.

Read more in this New York Times article.

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