The goal of the Task Force is to provide a report containing recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly to increase flood insurance awareness, accessibility and affordability.
Specifically, the recommendations in the report are to address each of the following areas:
-- Potential programs that provide premium discounts.
-- Potential programs that create incentives for local governments to undertake or continue flood mitigation efforts.
-- The implementation of necessary changes in statutes or practices relating to the administration of flood insurance.
-- How to educate residents about the risk of flooding and ways to mitigate flood occurrences.
-- Steps that should be taken to inform residents about options available when purchasing flood insurance.
-- How to increase the number of people that purchase flood insurance.
Public comment on flood insurance may be emailed to ra-in-policyoffice@pa.gov, or comments may be mailed to the Insurance Departments’s Director of Policy and Planning, Office of the Insurance Commissioner, 1326 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
The comment period will close on February 5.
“After flooding disasters, PID hears devastating stories from residents who believed their homeowners insurance policy covers flood damage when, in fact, it does not. More Pennsylvania property owners are now required to purchase flood insurance, and many are struggling to meet that requirement,” said Humphreys. “This public comment period is a valuable way to hear firsthand from Pennsylvanians on this topic. It provides an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to share with the Department valuable insight, lived experiences and suggestions on obtaining and paying for flood insurance, giving us the chance to make recommendations that are guided by the voice of Pennsylvania.
“Governor Shapiro has made it clear that he expects our Task Force to ‘get stuff done’ by way of making actionable recommendations for Administration partners and in suggesting potential legislation to the General Assembly to support Pennsylvanians,” said Humphreys. “This Task Force report will be a springboard to action to better protect Pennsylvanians from flood risk and repair.”
After deadly flooding impacted Pennsylvanian communities in several counties in 2023, the General Assembly passed and Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 735 into law as Act 22 in November 2023 creating the task force.
Flood Insurance
The Insurance Department also reminds Pennsylvanians that a standard homeowner or renters’ policy does not cover damages resulting from a flood.
Flood insurance has traditionally only been available to homeowners or renters through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but today there are more options for consumers to consider.
Flood insurance is available through private insurers, including surplus lines insurers, and can be purchased through licensed property and casualty insurance agents in Pennsylvania to cover almost any building and its contents, including rental property and condominiums.
Tenants can buy protection for their belongings as well.
Pennsylvanians impacted by flooding should visit the Insurance Department’s Flood Insurance webpage for resources that can help guide property owners through filing insurance claims, and tips to avoid repair scams.
More information on guidance following a severe weather event can be found on the Disaster Recovery Resource page.
Consumers with questions or wishing to file a complaint can contact the Insurance Department's Consumer Services Bureau webpage, or by calling 1-877-881-6388.
Related Articles:
-- PEMA: Homeowners, Renters Can Now Apply For State Disaster Recovery Assistance When Federal, Other Assistance Not Available [PaEN]
-- PA Emergency Management Agency, DRBC, FEMA Host Jan. 18 Webinar On Flood Loss Reduction Project Funding In Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton Counties [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Hosts Jan. 29 Webinar On Green Infrastructure And Salty Stormwater [PaEN]
[Posted: January 5, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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