Summary

Prohibits FEMA from requiring insurers that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s "Write Your Own" (WYO) arrangement to refrain from offering private flood insurance. It defines the WYO arrangement and bars FEMA from including any new or future contract terms that would force companies, agents, brokers, or adjusters to choose between participating in WYO activities and selling private flood insurance. The rule applies to agreements entered into after the law takes effect.

Key Points

• Defines the NFIP "Write Your Own Program" as FEMA’s standard arrangement with private insurers to sell and service NFIP policies.
• Prohibits FEMA from conditioning WYO participation on restrictions that would stop insurers or their agents from offering private flood insurance.
• Bars FEMA from including such restrictive conditions in any future WYO agreements entered into after enactment.
• Applies prospectively to agreements made after the law takes effect; does not change existing contracts retroactively.
• Affects private insurers, agents/brokers, adjusters, FEMA contracting practices, and potentially increases private market options for property owners.
• Does not appropriate new funds or create a new federal spending program.
• Relies on the existing federal definition of "private flood insurance."
• Limits FEMA’s ability to require exclusivity as part of program participation or use of provider facilities.

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