FEMA Launches Direct-to-Consumer Flood Insurance Program

• By: Raaed Haddad
• October 22, 2026

On Tuesday, FEMA announced it has launched a nationwide Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) flood insurance program, allowing property owners to get an online National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) quote and purchase a policy either directly through the NFIP or be referred to an agency.

FEMA strongly encourages agencies that sell flood insurance through the NFIP to sign up for the agency registry, an important component of the NFIP’s quoting and sales tool.

The Big “I” has long supported efforts to expand access to affordable flood insurance and close the nation’s significant flood insurance coverage gap. However, FEMA’s decision to begin selling NFIP policies directly to consumers raises legitimate questions about the federal government’s role in insurance distribution and could bypass agents and Write-Your-Own carriers.

Since the D2C concept was first announced in 2022, the Big “I” has raised concerns with FEMA, responded to requests for information and expressed concerns with elected officials. The Big “I” has made it clear that there must always be an important role for independent agents and illustrated the work they play selling flood insurance, such as preparing quotes, ensuring consumers understand the impact of different policy limits and deductibles, explaining different policy provisions to inform the consumers’ purchase decision, and much more.

While technology can make purchasing coverage easier, it cannot replace the trusted guidance and counsel that independent agents provide. As FEMA expands its direct-to-consumer capabilities, it must prioritize strengthening its existing private-sector partnerships rather than creating a competing distribution channel.

The Big “I” will continue to engage with FEMA, elected officials and other stakeholders, advocating for the independent agency system. For additional information, FEMA has published an FAQ about the agency registry.

The Big “I” will continue to closely monitor developments and update members through the News & Views e-newsletter.

Raaed Haddad is Big “I” director of federal government affairs.