NFIP Elevation Certificate: Difference between revisions

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=== Elevation Certificates Summary ===
=== Summary ===
Elevation Certificates (ECs) are critical documents in the NFIP process, providing detailed elevation data required for accurately rating flood insurance policies. Below is a summary of their purpose, required information, and specific sections used in rating.
Elevation Certificates (ECs) are a hallmark of the NFIP. They were designed to provide detailed elevation data for accurately rating flood insurance policies. In the past, they were required for certain types of properties. Today, they are optional for NFIP insurance. Below is a summary of their purpose, required information, and specific sections used in rating.


==== Purpose ====
== Purpose ==


* Elevation Certificates document the elevation of a building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
* Elevation Certificates document the elevation of a building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
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==== Key Information Required ====
== Key Information Required ==


# '''Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG)''':
# '''Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG)''':
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==== Sections of the EC ====
== Sections of the EC ==


# '''Section C (Survey Required)''':
# '''Section C (Survey Required)''':
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==== Documentation Requirements ====
== Documentation Requirements ==


* Signed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect.
* Signed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect.
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==== Key Points for Agents ====
== Key Points for Agents ==


* Providing an EC does not increase premiums; FEMA’s system calculates and applies the lower rate between FEMA-sourced and EC-provided data.
* Providing an EC does not increase premiums; FEMA’s system calculates and applies the lower rate between FEMA-sourced and EC-provided data.
* Properly completed ECs can qualify properties for lower premiums through accurate elevation data or mitigation discounts.
* Properly completed ECs can qualify properties for lower premiums through accurate elevation data or mitigation discounts.
* Ensure all required sections and photographs are included to avoid processing delays.
* Ensure all required sections and photographs are included to avoid processing delays.

Revision as of 15:50, 21 November 2024

This page is a placeholder. More information will be added soon.

This page contains details about NFIP New Business.
Find more in the How To Write section of the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual.

Summary

Elevation Certificates (ECs) are a hallmark of the NFIP. They were designed to provide detailed elevation data for accurately rating flood insurance policies. In the past, they were required for certain types of properties. Today, they are optional for NFIP insurance. Below is a summary of their purpose, required information, and specific sections used in rating.

Purpose

  • Elevation Certificates document the elevation of a building relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
  • They are used to:
    • Determine the first floor height (FFH) for rating.
    • Establish eligibility for certain discounts, such as mitigation measures.
    • Verify compliance with floodplain management regulations.

Key Information Required

  1. Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG):
    • The elevation of the ground next to the building's foundation.
    • Essential for calculating the Lowest Floor Elevation (LFE).
  2. Building Diagram Number:
    • Identifies the type of foundation and structure.
    • Used to apply appropriate elevation data.
  3. First Floor Height (FFH):
    • Calculated from the elevation difference between the LAG and the lowest floor.

Sections of the EC

  1. Section C (Survey Required):
    • Must be completed by a licensed surveyor, architect, or engineer.
    • Documents elevations for standard zones requiring a BFE.
    • Includes specific fields for non-elevated and elevated buildings.
  2. Section E (Survey Not Required):
    • Used for flood zones AO and A without BFEs.
    • Can also apply to all zones for rating purposes but not for floodplain management.
    • Includes LAG, Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG), and estimates if needed.
  3. Section H (New Addition):
    • Recommended for all flood zones in the updated EC form.
    • Complements Section E for determining FFH when applicable.

Documentation Requirements

  • Signed by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect.
  • Includes at least two photographs of the building’s front and rear, showing the foundation.
  • For buildings under construction, a revised EC must be submitted once construction is complete.

Key Points for Agents

  • Providing an EC does not increase premiums; FEMA’s system calculates and applies the lower rate between FEMA-sourced and EC-provided data.
  • Properly completed ECs can qualify properties for lower premiums through accurate elevation data or mitigation discounts.
  • Ensure all required sections and photographs are included to avoid processing delays.