Specialized NFIP Training for Adjusters
NFIP-certified claims adjusters play a pivotal role in post-flood response and recovery. It is often
the claims adjuster who explains to recent flood victims what their flood insurance policy covers
as well as limitations to that coverage.
In areas that have been struck by a hurricane or tropical storm, the claims adjuster has the added
challenge of distinguishing between flood- and wind-related damage in assessing losses.
Adjusters are on the front line of disaster response. And it is the adjuster's careful and responsive
handling of a loss that will determine how quickly the claim is processed and paid.
Claims Training
Adjusters must have a thorough understanding of the flood insurance policy as well as the ability to
explain it to others. For this reason, each year the NFIP offers 24 or more claims workshops around
the country for adjusters. In 2007, 29 workshops have been scheduled for 18 states, plus Puerto Rico
(see sidebar). Multiple workshops are scheduled for Florida, California, Louisiana, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Texas because the largest portion of flood insurance losses usually occurs in
these states. Additional NFIP claim workshops can be scheduled throughout the year at the request of
a WYO company or claims adjustment firm.
Claims workshops center around the three forms of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy: the Dwelling
Form, the General Property Form, and the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP)
Form. In addition to providing basic information about each policy, special emphasis is placed on
general conditions of flooding and substantial damage issues as well as the complexity of claims
processing concerns relating to basements, elevated buildings, and condominium coverage. Each
workshop also addresses the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage and how it relates to the
community administration of floodplain management laws or ordinances, mitigation options available
under ICC, and the technical assistance available to State and local officials after a
flooding event.
2007 Claims Workshops
Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi,
Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia,
Washington, West Virginia
Go to NFIP's
Claims Presentation page for locations, dates, and registration information for these workshops.
Certification
The NFIP maintains a database of independent adjusters who are certified to adjust flood claims for
WYO companies who use the services of independent adjusters and for the NFIP Direct Servicing Agent.
Those who seek certification by the NFIP must meet the established minimum qualifications. Although
there are several certification categories that require different degrees of experience, all
NFIP-certified adjusters are required to attend one of the program's claims workshops each year to stay
up to date with changes in underwriting policies and claims procedures and to maintain certification.
Several states accept attendance at the NFIP claims workshops for Continuing Education credit. These
include Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
Certification applications are available online or by faxing a request to the NFIP Bureau and
Statistical Agent (301-918-1476). Visit the NFIP's claims adjuster page for more information
about upcoming claims workshops, NFIP publications,
and access to the entire text of the Adjuster Claims Manual. Also available on this page is the
NFIP's Flood Insurance Manual, which contains explanations of all NFIP policies as well as
limitations to coverage.
Information Available on the NFIP's Claims Adjusters page:
- Updated listing of Adjuster Certification Workshops
- Adjuster Certification Application
- Adjuster Fee Schedule and Updated Fee Schedule
- Adjuster Claims Manual
- Adjuster Preliminary Damage Assessment Form
- Claims Forms
- NFIP Claims Handbook (including faxable, black-and-white versions in English and
Spanish)
- A Disaster Support Resources list, including post-hurricane information
- An updated list of Flood Disaster Offices in operation
- An explanation of the steps for Assignment of Coverage D - Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage
- Summary of Coverage (available in English and Spanish)
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