Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance at reasonable rates as a protection against flood losses. In exchange, participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.
The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements.
National Flood Insurance Program NFIP
The Stafford Act constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs. (download the Stafford Act (as amended) https://www.fema.gov/disaster/stafford-act
(WYO) Write Your Own Program Bulletins
FEMA works very closely with nearly 87 private insurance companies who participate in the Write Your Own (WYO) Program to write and service federal flood insurance in their own names. The WYO companies operate within the context of the NFIP and are subject to its rules and regulations with oversight by FEMA. FEMA periodically issues WYO Program Bulletins related to recent legislative changes and clarifications to the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual.
State Role in the NFIP
New Jersey insurance companies write and service federal flood insurance, on behalf of the NFIP. FEMA maintains oversight of the so-called Write Your Own (WYOs) private insurance companies who participate, ensuring they are adhering to all the NFIP rules and regulations. The WYOs, participating private insurance companies, are not subject to regulation by the State of New Jersey with respect to the NFIP. However, FEMA encourages the WYO private companies to cooperate with the State insurance commissioners and regulators to aid in responding to general flood insurance inquiries related to claims and claims handling activities. NFIP Fact Sheet
Your homeowner’s insurance policy does NOT cover losses due to flooding!
Highlands Borough has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program since its inception and flood insurance is available for almost any enclosed building and its contents. For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. Property losses due to flooding are not covered under most standard homeowner insurance policies. You can protect your home and its contents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA through its Federal Insurance Administration.
Borough of Highlands NFIP number is CID 345297.
To find out more about flood insurance for your property and its contents, contact your insurance agent. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so don’t wait until a storm threatens before you secure the flood insurance you need.
Available Coverage:
BUILDINGS
- Single family dwelling: $250,000
- Other residential: $250,000
- Non-Residential: $500,000
- Small Business: $500,000
CONTENTS
- Residential: $100,000
- Non-Residential: $500,000
- Small Business: $500,000
Flood Insurance is mandatory for all federally related financial assistance for loans to purchase, construct, repair or improve any building in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). All lending agencies, real estate offices and title companies are aware of this Federal requirement.
Reduced Rates are available depending on your lowest floor elevation above mean sea level plus a variety of deductible amounts. Highlands Borough urge you to inquire about flood insurance coverage from your insurance agent for further information regarding this most important part of your insurance coverage.