At this week’s National Flood Conference in Washington, D.C., a variety of speakers—including two Big “I” leaders—provided information to insurers, underwriters, legal and claims professionals, floodplain managers, lenders and other flood service providers on all aspects of the NFIP.

The Big “I” was pleased to participate on numerous panels at the conference and highlight the critical role of independent agents in the sales and servicing of the flood program. The association continues its involvement by engaging with Congress and all stakeholders as the process for the next NFIP reauthorization continues.

Dave Treutel, CEO of Treutel Insurance in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was featured in the opening panel of the conference, “NFIP Reauthorization – The Train is Moving!” Treutel’s comments focused on the association’s support for a long-term extension of the NFIP. Additionally, he said the private market has a role to play as a complement to the NFIP, but not as a replacement. Treutel discussed concerns that any legislation should strike a balance between the private market and the NFIP to avoid adverse selection.

On that note, the entire panel expressed support for H.R. 2901 and S. 1679, the “Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act,” by Reps. Dennis Ross (R-Florida) and Patrick Murphy (D-Florida) and Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) and Jon Tester (D-Montana). Treutel noted that the Big “I” supports this bill because it clarifies that state regulators have authority over private flood insurance. The bill also ensures that policyholders can return to the NFIP without losing their grandfathered status or subsidy if they had previously left the program and obtained coverage in the private market and that coverage no longer meets their needs. The bill passed the full U.S. House of Representatives by a 419-0 vote and now awaits Senate consideration.

Angela Ripley, president of V.W. Brown Insurance in Columbia, Maryland, also served on a panel, “NFIP Reauthorization: What can Congress do to Encourage Flood Purchase?” She discussed potential ways Congress can encourage property owners to purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or privately, addressing issues such as mandatory purchase, tax breaks for premium payment and mitigation funding. Ripley’s comments focused on ensuring that consumers understand their flood risk to increase take up rates outside Special Flood Hazard Areas.

During the panel, Ripley also discussed how the debate needs to shift regarding the purchase of flood insurance. For example, it is not an all-or-nothing decision to purchase flood insurance when a consumer is “in” or “out” of the flood zones. There is a gradation in flood risk depending on the location of the property, among other factors. More accurate mapping technologies and program simplification—two NFIP reforms the Big “I” supports—could address this issue.

The association continues advocating for a long-term extension of a modernized NFIP. As discussions about the next flood reauthorization carry on, the Bill “I” will continue highlighting the essential role that agents play in the delivery of flood insurance through the WYO program and how agents are uniquely trained and knowledgeable about NFIP details.

Jen McPhillips is Big “I” assistant vice president of federal government affairs.