Submit Change to NFIP Policy

Policy Guide

Standard Flood Insurance Policy

Applications

Equinox Procedure
Waiting Periods : Occupancy Foundations : Discounts

New Business

Elevation Certificates
Primary Residence
BRCV : Venting : Condos

Renewals

Equinox Procedure
Billing Changes

Changes

Equinox Procedures
Mortgagee : Insured
Transfer of Ownership
Coverage Limits

Cancellations

Equinox Procedure
Request Forms : Signatures
Reasons : Documents

This Equinox Procedure is for Agents. Find a complete list here.

This page serves as a directory for various NFIP Policy Changes agents can request through Equinox. Each change type includes details about the process, effective dates, and required documentation. Individual procedures are linked for more specific instructions.

See the Policy Change Workflow below to interpret this diagram.

Policy Changes List

The table below lists the most common NFIP Policy Changes submitted by agents.

• The links in the Policy Section column show more details about each Policy Change lower on the page.
• The links in the Functions column connect to specific procedural instruction pages.
• The links in the NFIP Category column identify the level of complexity for each process.

Policy Section	Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Policyholder Contact Details	Edit	Yes	No	Request	Administrative
Renewal Billing Instructions	Edit	Yes	No	Request	Administrative
Mortgagee Clause	Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	No	Request	Policy Interests
Insured Name Correction	Edit	Yes	No	Inception	Administrative
Insured Name Update	Edit	No	Yes	Event	Policy Change
Additional Insured	Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	When Deleting	Event or Request	Policy Interests
Co-insured	Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	When Deleting	Event or Request	Policy Interests
Policy Assignment	Add, Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Event	Policy Interests
Coverage Increase	Add, Edit	No	No	Calculated	Coverage Increases
Deductible Decrease	Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Calculated	Coverage Increases
Coverage Decrease	Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Event or Inception**	Coverage Decreases
Deductible Increase	Add, Edit	No	No	Event or Request	Coverage Decreases
Elevation Certificate	Add, Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Rating Adjustment
Structural Variables	Edit	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Policy Change
Property Address	Edit	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Property Address
Effective Date	Edit	No	Yes	Inception	Cancel Rewrite
Provisional Rates	Edit	No	No	Inception	Rate Category Change

Temporary Section

Policyholder Contact Details

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	Yes	No	Request	Administrative

Edit Only: since the Policyholder Contact Details are an essential policy detail, they cannot be added or deleted.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Insured

Accurate contact information ensures that policyholders receive timely communications regarding their coverage, billing, and claims. Agents can update details such as mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses directly in the system without additional documentation. These changes typically take effect upon request and are processed automatically.

The policyholder mailing address cannot be changed if it has been used to verify Primary Residence.

Example

A policyholder wishes to receive their mail at a post office box and provides their updated mailing address. The agent edits the contact details in the system to reflect this change.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Renewal Billing Instructions

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	Yes	No	Request	Administrative

Edit Only: since the Renewal Billing Instructions are an essential policy detail, they cannot be added or deleted.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Billing Instructions

Proper billing instructions are crucial for renewal payments and uninterrupted coverage. Agents can designate insureds, mortgagees, or additional interests as needed. These updates are administrative and do not require additional documentation, taking effect upon request.

Example

A policyholder wishes to change their premium payment method from direct billing to mortgage escrow. The agent updates the billing instructions accordingly.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Mortgagee Clause

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	No	Request	Policy Interests

Mortgagee Clauses can be added, edited, or deleted.

Procedure: Submit Change to Mortgagee Clause

The mortgagee clause specifies a lender's interest in the insured property. Agents can add, edit, or remove mortgagee information to ensure compliance with loan requirements. These changes are processed automatically, so the lender details should be accurate to prevent issues.

Example

A policyholder refinances their mortgage with a new lender. The agent updates the policy to reflect the new mortgagee information.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Insured Name Correction

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	Yes	No	Inception	Administrative

Edit Only: an Insured Name cannot be added or deleted as part of a correction.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Insured

Minor errors in the insured's name, such as misspellings, can be corrected. These corrections are administrative, do not require documentation, and are effective from the policy's inception date.

Corrections must not allow insurable interest to pass from one person (or legal entity) to another.

Example

The insured's name is listed as "Jon Smith" instead of "John Smith." The agent corrects the spelling in the system.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Insured Name Update

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Event	Policy Change

Edit Only: an Insured Name cannot be added or deleted as part of an update.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Insured

Significant name changes due to events like marriage or legal name changes require updates to the policy. Agents must obtain legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) to process these changes. The updates are not auto-issued and become effective based on the event date.

Required Documentation: a signed request from the insured or legal document showing change to insured name

If the insured dies and their spouse is listed as a co-insured, the insured name may be replaced by the co-insured. Otherwise the policy must be updated to show "The Estate of <Insured Name>".

Example

After legally changing their name, a policyholder provides a court order to the agent, who then updates the policy accordingly.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Additional Insured

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	When Deleting	Event or Request	Policy Interests

Additional Insureds can be added, edited, or deleted.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Insured

Adding an additional insured, such as a co-owner or entity with a financial interest in the property, is processed automatically and can take effect based on the date the additional insured gained insurable interest in the property or upon the request date.

Editing an additional insured is allowed for corrections only; they must not change insurable interest from one party to another.

Deleting an additional insured requires their signature or proof they no longer have insurable interest.

Required Documentation: (Delete Only) A signed request from the insured being removed or written evidence, like a deed.

If an insured is deceased, a statement from the agent (e.g. "The insured is deceased") will suffice.

Example

A property co-owner is added to the policy as an additional insured after providing proof of ownership.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Co-insured

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Add, Edit, Delete	Yes	When Deleting	Event or Request	Policy Interests

Co-insureds can be added, edited, or deleted.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Insured

Adding a co-insured is processed automatically and can take effect based on the date the additional insured gained insurable interest in the property or upon the request date.

Editing a co-insured is allowed for corrections only; they must not change insurable interest from one party to another.

Deleting a co-insured requires their signature or proof they no longer have insurable interest.

Required Documentation: (Delete Only) A signed request from the insured being removed or written evidence, like a deed.

Additional insureds require a mailing address. Co-insureds do not.

Example

A spouse is added as a co-insured after the policy is issued.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Policy Assignment

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Add, Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Event	Policy Interests

Policy Assignments can add, edit, and delete insureds as part of a transfer of ownership.

Procedure: Submit Policy Assignment

Transferring a NFIP policy from one entity to another, often due to property sales, is known as Policy Assignment. These changes are not auto-issued and become effective on the date the property is deeded, i.e. the event date.

Required Documentation: A Policy Assignment Form must be signed by all parties on or before the closing date.

Example

Upon selling a property, the existing flood insurance policy is assigned from Joe, the seller, to Betty, the buyer.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Coverage Increase

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	No	Calculated	Coverage Increases

Edit Only: Coverage Limits are essential parts of an NFIP policy, so they can only be edited in Equinox.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Editing a coverage limit to increase it means to make the building coverage or contents coverage higher than it is currently. Deductible changes can be included but they must be specified and follow applicable rules.

When coverage is increased from zero, a deductible must be chosen.

Required Documentation: Premium Payment is required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to coverage increases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Deductible Decrease

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Calculated	Coverage Increases

Edit Only: Deductibles are essential parts of an NFIP policy, so they can only be edited in Equinox.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Editing a deductible to decrease it means to make the building deductible or contents deductible lower than it is currently. Coverage changes can be included but they must be specified and follow applicable rules.

When coverage is reduced to zero, the corresponding deductible must be removed.

Required Documentation: A lender's letter that requires a lower deductible [1] and Premium Payment are both required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to deductible decreases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

In a recent audit, the lender on a policy has discovered that the current deductible is too high. The lender sends a letter to the policyholder, who then has the agent submit a request to decrease the deductible. The policyholder pays the additional premium and the lender receives a new declarations page showing the lower deductible amount.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Coverage Decrease

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Event or Inception**	Coverage Decreases

Edit Only: Coverage Limits are essential parts of an NFIP policy, so they can only be edited in Equinox.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Editing a coverage limit to decrease it means to make the building coverage or contents coverage lower than it is currently. Deductible changes can be included but they must be specified and follow applicable rules.

When coverage is reduced to zero, the corresponding deductible must be removed.

Required Documentation: Building coverage: proof the building is over-insured, either through error or removal.

Required Documentation: Contents coverage: proof the property was sold or removed. [2]

Required Documentation: The policyholder's signature [3]

Coverage decreases are effective at inception if errors, but are effective on the event date if due to damage. Coverage decreases can be made on upcoming renewals without the requirements needed for policy changes.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Deductible Increase

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	No	Event or Request	Coverage Decreases

Edit Only: Deductibles are essential parts of an NFIP policy, so they can only be edited in Equinox.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Editing a deductible to increase it means to make the building deductible or contents deductible higher than it is currently. Coverage changes can be included but they must be specified and follow applicable rules.

When coverage is increased from zero, a deductible must be chosen.

Required Documentation: Premium Payment and an insured's signed request [4] and are both required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to coverage increases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Elevation Certificate

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Add, Edit, Delete	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Rating Adjustment

Coverage Limit Increases can be added or edited.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Adding a coverage limit

Editing a coverage limit

Required Documentation: Premium Payment is required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to coverage increases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Structural Variables

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Policy Change

The building's Structural Variables are found in the Risk Characteristics section of the Policy Record.

Structural Variables can only be Edited, not Added or Deleted.

Policy Changes to Structural Variables require Underwriting review.

When a structural variable changes, documentation that proves the change is required.

• The Effective Date for a change is always the date the change occurred (the event date).

When a structural variable needs to be corrected, an agent statement that it was incorrect on the original application is required.

• The Effective Date for a correction is always the policy inception date.

The collapsed table below gives more details about each Structural Variable.

Structural Variable	FIM	Details
Primary Residence
Occupancy*
Building Description
Detached Structures
Building Over Water
Foundation Type
Number of Floors
Number of Units
Floor of Unit
Foundation Description
Number of Elevators

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Property Address

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Event or Inception	Property Address

Coverage Limit Increases can be added or edited.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Adding a coverage limit

Editing a coverage limit

Required Documentation: Premium Payment is required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to coverage increases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Effective Date

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	Yes	Inception	Cancel Rewrite

Coverage Limit Increases can be added or edited.

Procedure: Submit Change to NFIP Coverage

Adding a coverage limit

Editing a coverage limit

Required Documentation: Premium Payment is required before the change is issued.

Waiting Period rules apply to coverage increases that can alter the requested effective date.

Example

A policyholder wants to take out a second mortgage on their home, but the lender requires higher building coverage on the policy. The agent submitted the request and had the insured provide the additional premium. After the declarations page was issued with the increased limit, the policyholder presented it to the lender, who then approved the loan.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Temporary Section

Provisional Rates

Functions	Auto-issue	Documents	Effective Date	NFIP Category
Edit	No	No	Inception	Rate Category Change

NFIP policies issued with Provisional Rates [5] cannot be renewed. So provisionally-rated policies must be endorsed prior to the policy expiration date. Claims will also not be paid on policies with provisional rates; therefore, these policies must be endorsed before a claim payment is issued.

An agent can issue New Business or a Renewal term with Provisional rates; however, the NFIP strongly suggests that the insurer endorse the policy within 60 days of issuance. Additional premium may be required as part of this Rating Category Change.

▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

Policy Change Workflow

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▲ Return to the Policy Changes List

This page contains details about NFIP Policy Changes. Find more NFIP information in the How To Endorse section of the Flood Insurance Manual.