FEMA Announces Grace Period for Policy Renewals
As many people remain unable to get into their homes and are facing additional financial hardships as a result of the flooding. FEMA wants to ensure that policyholders affected by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey can focus on their immediate needs, begin to recover, and continue to have flood insurance coverage in the event of additional flooding. Effective today, the NFIP is extending the grace period for payment of renewal premiums from 30 days to 120 days.
The grace period extension applies to:
- Policies covering properties in Texas counties designated under the Presidential Disaster Declaration; and policies with renewal dates or underpayment notices with payments due between July 24 – September 22, 2017. The NFIP cannot pay a claim for a flood loss that occurs after a policy expiration date unless the policyholder’s insurance company receives the payment for renewal on or before the last day of the grace period.
For any policy with a renewal date on or after September 23, 2017, the normal 30-day grace period will apply.
NFIP policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance company and report a flood claim as soon as possible. If someone is unsure if he/she has flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program; does not know how to contact his/her agent or company; or has an NFIP Direct policy, call 1-800-621-3362, select option 2, and speak with the NFIP call center. The TTY number is TTY 1-800-462-7585.
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.