The NFIP was extended earlier today as part of broader government funding legislation. The deal also included disaster assistance funds related to the 2017 hurricanes and wildfires and minor changes to the federal crop insurance program and Medicare.

After U.S. Senate leaders struck a deal earlier this week to raise budget caps, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were able to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 23. The funding measure includes a temporary NFIP reauthorization also through March 23 as deliberations over a longer-term reauthorization and reforms continue. Congress previously passed a stop-gap measure to keep the government funded into February.

FEMA, which operates the NFIP, previously released a memorandum outlining procedures if the program lapses. The Big “I” worked with FEMA on the guidance, which states that during a lapse in authority, a WYO company may not issue policies for new business or respond to requests to increase or add coverage that are initiated during the lapse. In addition, WYO companies cannot issue renewal notices during the lapse.

Insurance agents and brokers who sell and service NFIP policies should be in touch with the WYO companies that they work with if they have questions about procedures in the event of a lapse in NFIP authority.

Wyatt Stewart is Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs.