Submit Change to Structural Variable

This Equinox Procedure is for Agents. Find a complete list here.

This procedure explains how agents can submit requests to change or correct the building details on an NFIP policy. Most structural variables determine policy rating, so premium may be impacted. Supporting documentation may be required.

Policy Changes require specific actions to meet federal guidelines

Procedural Steps

1. Access Policy Record

A large clock tower and other buildings line a great river. — Scroll to the Risk Characteristics in the Policy Record.

Open the Policy Record to start

Scroll down to the "Risk Characteristics" section manually.

There is no navigation option in the Policy Actions menu.

2. Edit Risk Characteristics

Use the Edit button (pencil icon) in the upper right of the Risk Characteristics section.

This will open all NFIP structural variable fields for editing.

Make Adjustments to Structural Variables

These fields describe the physical details of the building, which can be changed over time due to reconstruction or disrepair.

Building characteristics should be accurately represented on an NFIP policy.
They can be corrected if they are not.

Structural Variable	FIM	Details
Occupancy	FIM	The building's intended use chosen from one of nine options. Determines the NFIP Policy Form and maximum coverage limits.
Building Description	FIM	Used to specify more detail about the building's intended use or to differentiate it from other buildings at the same location.
Primary Residence	FIM	Where the insured, their spouse, or a beneficiary of an insured trust resides more than 50% of the year. Determines the HFIAA surcharge amount.
Foundation Type	FIM	The portion of the building that supports all other structural components, chosen from six different types.
Foundation Description	FIM	Additional defining characteristics about the foundation
Number of Floors	FIM	The number of living floors above the foundation. Enclosures, crawlspaces, and basements are not considered a floor.
Number of Units	FIM	The number of units in a multi-unit building, including residential and non-residential units.
Floor of Unit	FIM	(Unit occupancy only) The floor of the building where the unit is located, even if only a single story building.
Building Over Water	FIM	Describes whether the building is either partially, fully, or not over water.
Detached Structures	FIM	Identifies the number of detached structures, not including the main building
Number of Elevators	FIM	The total number of elevators in the building. Does not include dumbwaiters or stair lifts.

Required Documentation: Changes: proof of a change to the building, such as a photograph.

Required Documentation: Corrections: an agent statement that the item was incorrect on the original application.

Changes: the effective date is the date the change occurred (the event date).
Corrections: the effective date is the policy inception date.

Once all details are entered, click the "Save" button (move to Step 3 below).

3. Choose Effective Date

Choose "None" for the Waiting Period and select the appropriate Policy Change Effective Date.

Scroll to the top of the page to enter the effective date.

Choose "None" from the Waiting Period dropdown box.
Determine and enter the appropriate date based on whether this is changing a building detail or correcting it.

The Coverage Change cannot be completed without choosing an effective date.

4. Review and Submit

Review the changes for accuracy and completeness before finalizing.

Once the effective date is entered, a pro-rated premium amount might be displayed.

The "Abort" button will exit the process without saving any details.
The "Submit" button will create the policy change form and mark the policy with a "Pending Change" (and "Pending Payment") flag.

The system will not process the change immediately.
Policy changes to NFIP Structural Variables require underwriter review.

The Policy Record will show a Pending Payment (and perhaps a Pending Change) flag.

The policy in the Agency Workspace will show a Pending Payment (and perhaps a Pending Change) flag.

If necessary, the agent can submit a payment on the Billing and Payment page.

This page contains details about NFIP Policy Changes.
Find more NFIP information in the How To Endorse section of the Flood Insurance Manual.