The NFIP will provide agents with copy ideas and options that agents can use in creating ads that meet the agency's needs. The initiative includes a national awareness campaign, the selection of pilot communities to demonstrate the benefits of hazard mitigation through a partnership approach, and an outreach effort to businesses and communities. It isn't a new program. Its objectives are based on the principles established by NFIP 30 years ago. There are those who will say that the coverage is too expensive.
Some agents maintain that the coverage is too complex to write.
There are those who will say that those who live in the most volatile areas are not paying enough. Others complain that they are paying too much. From our perspective, we try to keep the premiums fair, given the magnitude of the exposure. We've been talking to insurance companies in the private market to test the feasibility of having flood insurance included under the regular homeowners policy or as an endorsement. Companies have said they will think about it, but it's fair to say that companies don't appear to be ready to take on the flood exposure at this time because they don't see a wide enough base to make it profitable.