Anything But a Breeze: Moving Forward Without NFIP Wind Coverage

Abstract

The storm season of 2005, with the indelible images of Hurricane Katrina stuck in our minds forever, left much of the Gulf Coast devastated. The aftermath of the storm also caused serious damage to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP or the Program), which provides federally subsidized flood insurance to communities participating in the Program. Following the storms of 2005, many home and building owners and insurance companies began to disagree about the terms of their agreements and the cause of damage upon these structures. The main point of dispute was whether damage could be attributed strictly to flooding, to wind, or to a combination of both. In an effort to eliminate similar disputes and to enhance the ability for home and business owners to obtain relief for their losses, lawmakers have proposed including wind coverage within the NFIP. This Note will examine the NFIP and the idea of adding multiple peril coverage to the Program. This Note will attempt to explain why adding wind coverage to the NFIP will only further exacerbate the problems for an already fiscally irresponsible program.