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PHOTO: Andrea Booher/FEMA Photo 
Agent Tips on Flood Map Changes 
TYPE OF 
MAP CHANGE WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY 
Grandfathering Offers Savings 
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has 
“grandfather” rules to recognize policyholders who 
have either built in compliance with the flood map 
or who maintain continuous coverage. These rules 
allow such policyholders to benefit in the rating for 
that building. 
Grandfathering is available for new purchasers as 
well as existing customers. 
Always use the new map if it will provide a more 
favorable premium (lower rate). 
Your building has been designated in a highrisk 
area for flooding. 
You will be required to purchase a flood policy if 
you carry a mortgage from a federally regulated 
lender. 
If you don’t carry a mortgage, you should protect 
your home with flood insurance. National 
statistics show that you are 3 times more likely to 
have damage by a flood than by fire. 
Purchasing before the map revision allows you to 
save on insurance. 
Loyal Customers Can Keep Existing Zone (Pre& PostFIRM) 
Customers, who buy a policy before maps are 
adopted and maintain coverage, can retain the 
lowerrisk zone rate. 
Eligible customers can purchase a PRP now. It will 
renew to an X zone rated standard policy. 
Have a policy: maintain continuous coverage. 
A policy can be assigned to future new property 
owner. 
Buy now to save later. 
Renew to stay protected and save money. 
Show Compliance With a Previous FIRM for Lower Costs (PostFIRM only) 
Lowor 
moderaterisk 
zone (B, C, X) 
changing to a 
highrisk zone 
(A, AE, or V) 
or Change in 
Base Flood 
Elevation 
To keep existing zones when the structure was built: 
Get a copy of FIRM effective at time of construction 
or a compliance letter from community official. 
To keep existing BFE when the structure was built: 
Get Elev. Cert, and copy of FIRM effective at time of 
construction; or compliance letter from the 
community official. 
Lower cost options: show building was built in 
compliance at time of construction. 
Makes you eligible for a lower rate, keeps costs 
DOWN. 
Conversion Offers Savings Highrisk 
zone (A, AE, 
or V) 
changing to a 
lowor 
moderaterisk 
zone (X, 
Shaded X) 
Write a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP). 
Use existing policy’s current effective date, and use 
closest coverage limit or next highest options if no 
exact match. 
Submit PRP application, and insured signed 
conversion form. 
Your risk is reduced, not removed! 
Eligible for lowcost, Preferred Risk Policy 
Stay protected and get money back once maps are 
adopted. 
No gaps in coverage; no additional money up front. 
2025% of all flood claims occur in lowor 
moderaterisk areas. 
Review of Current Coverage Ensures Protection 
No Change Do they have flood insurance? 
If so, is the building limit uptodate? 
Contents coverage provided and limit uptodate? 
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage due 
to floods. 
Floods happen anytime, anywhere. 
Your home is a major investmentprotect it. 
V083005