How to Challenge Flood Status in 3 Simple Steps
Our greatest mission is to help Real Estate Agents, as well as individual buyers and sellers access the most accurate and transparent flood zone information available, so that they can take every step possible to protect themselves, and smoothly and successfully complete their transactions.
We’re known for being the flood zone experts, able to help confirm or potentially challenge the official flood status of any property in the country, thanks to our superior data and highly-trained team of experts.
Why Challenge Flood Status?
For federally-backed loans, flood insurance is required when a structure contacts a high-risk flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area or SFHA). For all federally-backed loans, a lender is the one who is required to run a Flood Determination (aka Flood Cert) that tells them whether a structure is in an SFHA according to FEMAs Effective FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map).
If the determination says YES, the lender must force-place flood insurance on the collateral securing the loan, and therefore the homeowner must carry a flood insurance policy.
The requirement hinges on the location of a structure in relation to FEMA’s floodplain maps, which is why we believe superior data is crucial, and why we include detailed visual verification mapping. The exact location of a habitable structure is key to defining flood insurance requirements.
In addition to the mapping, our expert Certified Floodplain Managers go the extra mile and check for items like pre-existing letters of map amendments, letters of map change, and revalidation letters that might already impact the flood status of a property (structure).
In contrast, some industry-standard 1-page determinations can be, and sometimes are, erroneous or incomplete. This is why it’s crucial to start the process with securing a certified, insured and structure-based MyFloodStatus flood zone determination report.
3 Steps To Challenge Flood Status
The process of challenging a flood status to potentially remove a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) designation all starts with an accurate, structure-based, official flood zone determination report.
Step 1: Review Your MyFloodStatus Report
Start with an official Flood Determination Report from MyFloodStatus. Our reports will clearly identify the location of a habitable structure in relation to a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and include detailed, pinpoint accurate maps for visual verification.
Step 2: Contact Our Experts
Contact the experts in our Flood Resource Center. Our Certified Floodplain Managers (CFMs) can review and explain the report, and advise on next steps available to you.
If a property IS NOT located in an SFHA and has been misidentified by a mortgage or insurance company, our team can provide support, guidance and knowledge to help get an incorrect flood zone determination overturned.
If a property IS located in an SFHA, our team can examine the data in detail and provide guidance on obtaining an Elevation Certificate (EC) and/or a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) if the potential to remove SFHA designation exists.
Step 3: Order Additional Services
If an Elevation Certificate (EC) or Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) are needed, our team can help.
Elevation Certificates
An elevation certificate is a site-specific survey that has to be done by a licensed land surveyor. An elevation certificate can be ordered through our site if the property is located in the state of NJ. If outside the state, you would need to find a local surveyor in your area.
Our cost for an EC is $800 (available for NJ properties only).
After the elevation certificate has been completed you can send it to us for analysis at no extra charge to you. Based on the analysis of the EC we will then recommend the likelihood of the removal of the flood insurance purchase requirement if you were to pursue a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
We can initiate your LOMA or eLOMA application using the EC and a copy of the most recently filed deed. We can submit the application to FEMA on your behalf should you want to utilize our services.
LOMA’s and eLOMA’s are processed outside of our system, carrying their own charges and timelines:
LOMA application (6-8 weeks to process) $150
eLOMA application (1-10 business days) $400
You can get started by ordering a Flood Zone Determination Report. Our experts will happily advise on next steps and costs.
The information provided is for informative purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice or a legal opinion. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.
