FEMA enables online purchase of flood insurance in Puerto Rico
Residents can now obtain quotes and buy National Flood Insurance Program policies directly through FloodSmart.gov without first contacting an agent.
PhotoThe short version
- El Vocero reports that Puerto Rico residents can now quote and purchase federal flood insurance online via FloodSmart.gov without visiting an office or initially contacting an agent
- El Sol de Puerto Rico reported that the new tool allows digital completion of the NFIP policy acquisition process from cost estimation to purchase
- El Vocero reports approximately 10,900 NFIP policies in Puerto Rico represent nearly $2 billion in coverage according to FEMA
- FEMA states new policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins and recommends not waiting for a storm threat
Online tool launched
Residents of Puerto Rico can now obtain quotes and purchase a federal flood insurance policy directly online. El Vocero reported that the service is available through the portal FloodSmart.gov and allows the full digital process for policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The option is aimed at homeowners, tenants and business owners in participating communities, even if properties are not in high-risk flood zones. Periódico El Sol de Puerto Rico reported that the tool was enabled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Also on PuertoRico.com: Is Puerto Rico part of the US?
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Con esta nueva herramienta digital, usted puede obtener una cotización y comprar una póliza de seguro contra inundaciones en cuestión de minutos
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Vocero. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Coverage details
According to El Vocero, for residences the program can provide up to $250,000 in coverage for the structure and up to $100,000 for personal belongings. Tenants can obtain up to $100,000 for their possessions. Commercial properties can receive up to $500,000 for the building and another $500,000 for contents.
El Vocero reported that coverage for the structure and for contents is usually purchased separately with different deductibles. FEMA reminded that standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage.
Waiting period and pricing
El Vocero reported that new NFIP policies normally have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. The agency recommends not waiting until a storm or flood threat is approaching to obtain coverage. Exceptions exist for certain mortgage transactions and recent changes in federal flood risk maps.
The price of a policy depends on the specific characteristics of the property and its flood risk. El Vocero reported that factors include location, construction features and estimated replacement cost. There is no single rate for all properties in Puerto Rico, but the NFIP uses a federal pricing system so identical conditions should not produce different rates from different agents.
Where the sources differ
Both El Vocero and Periódico El Sol de Puerto Rico agree that FEMA has enabled online quoting and purchasing of NFIP flood insurance policies directly through FloodSmart.gov for Puerto Rico residents without first needing an agent or office visit. El Vocero provides extensive details on coverage limits, the 30-day waiting period, what is covered, pricing factors and a quote from FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. Periódico El Sol de Puerto Rico offers a shorter report that aligns on the core announcement but adds no conflicting information or unique figures. The sources do not differ on any facts presented.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state when the online tool became available, how many people have used it so far, whether there was prior demand for a fully digital option, or any specific targets for increasing the number of policies in force in Puerto Rico. They also do not indicate whether the platform handles policy renewals in addition to new purchases or provide any data on average policy costs in the island.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official ¿Quieres proteger tu casa de inundaciones? FEMA facilita la compra de seguros en la Isla
- Reporting ¿Quieres proteger tu casa de inundaciones? FEMA facilita la compra de seguros en la Isla
- Reporting FEMA habilita la compra en línea de seguros contra inundaciones en Puerto Rico
How we checked this
El Vocero supplied the majority of the details including coverage amounts, waiting periods, the Cameron Hamilton quote and current policy statistics. Periódico El Sol de Puerto Rico reported the same core announcement. All information is drawn from the two outlets and the statements they attribute to FEMA.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.