In July 2012, the U.S. Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) which calls on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agencies, to make a number of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is run. Some of these changes already have occurred, and others will be implemented in the coming months. Key provisions of the legislation will require the NFIP to raise rates to reflect true flood risk, make the program more financially stable, and change how Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates impact policyholders. The changes will mean premium rate increases for some—but not all—policyholders over time. Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to learn their flood risk and talk to their insurance agent to determine if their policy will be affected by BW-12.

BW-12 Overview | BW-12 Instructional Videos | Pre-FIRM Subsidy Removal | Building and Rebuilding Information for Home and Business Owners | Information for Real Estate Professionals | Information for the Insurance Industry | Information for State and Local Officials | Other

BW-12 Overview

• Questions about the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012
  Answers to frequently asked questions about BW-12
• Timeline: Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012
  A brief outline of which rates will increase and when

BW-12 Instructional Videos

• Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 Video
  A video that describes the history and upcoming changes to the National Flood Insurance Program
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: An Overview
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: Elevation Ratings
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: Addressing Flood Risk
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: What Is a Subsidized Rate?
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: Moving Away from Subsidies
• The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012: Reducing Insurance Costs

Pre-FIRM Subsidy Removal (Starting in 2013)

• Changing Risks Changing Rates
  A brochure for homeowners about the removal of pre-FIRM subsidies
• The NFIP's Specific Rate Guidelines
  An overview of the changes to the Specific Rate Guidelines, with examples
• Impact of Changes to the NFIP (English and Spanish)
  A 2-page fact sheet providing an overview of BW-12 changes including timing and who will be affected as FEMA phases out subsidies and implements Section 100205 of the law
• Who Will be Impacted by Pre-FIRM Rate Increases Nationally 
  A 2-page fact sheet that shows how many policies are subsidized throughout the country and how those rates could change as pre-FIRM subsidies are phased out and removed by Section 100205 of BW-12
• Who Will be Impacted by Pre-FIRM Rate Increases in Louisiana 
  A 2-page fact sheet that shows how many policies are subsidized in Louisiana and how those rates could change as pre-FIRM subsidies are phased out and removed by Section 100205 of BW-12

Building and Rebuilding Information for Home and Business Owners

• Rebuilding in an AE zone
  Scenario showing cost effectiveness of building above the BFE
• Rebuilding in a VE zone
  Scenario showing cost effectiveness of building above the BFE
• Build Back Safer and Stronger: What You Need to Know (English and Spanish)
  A tri-fold brochure explaining how rebuilding higher and mitigating flood risk can reduce flood insurance premiums and reduce the chance of future flood damage
• Homeowner's Guide to Elevation Certificates
  Guidance for obtaining an Elevation Certificate, which is necessary for determining full-risk rates in high-risk zones

Information for Real Estate Professionals

• Homeowner's Guide to Elevation Certificates
  Guidance for obtaining an Elevation Certificate, which is necessary for determining full-risk rates in high-risk zones

Information for the Insurance Industry

• Changes to Flood Insurance Rates: What They Are and How to Explain Them
  A fact sheet with talking points for agents
• BW-12 Quick Reference Guide
  A BW-12 quick reference guide for Subsidized Pre-FIRM Buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
• The NFIP's Specific Rate Guidelines
  An overview of the changes to the Specific Rate Guidelines, with examples
• Write Your Own Bulletins (WYO)

Information for State and Local Officials

• FAQs for Historic Structures and BW 12
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) associated with the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW 12) and how it affects Historic Structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
• Interactive Map of NFIP Subsidized Policies by State and County

Other