Create NFIP Application

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

This page may need to be edited based on suggestions or concerns. Read more in the Discussion page.

An agent must complete several steps to produce an NFIP application or obtain a quote. Equinox ensures that all required information is collected and validated before the application is submitted. This process is designed to reduce errors and enhance efficiency by guiding the agent through a series of steps that ensure compliance with NFIP guidelines.

The workflow shown above begins by entering basic property details and continues through collecting additional information about the building, coverage options, and flood zone determinations. At the "NFIP Rates" step, highlighted in green, agents can generate a preliminary quote based on the details provided. This allows the agent to review potential costs before signing the application and collecting premium.

Information Icons

Equinox has small information icons placed next to important sections or fields. When a user hovers over an icon, a small window provides extra details about that section. The messages from these icons can be found in the collapsible sections below.

A. Request New Quote

To quote a property with the NFIP, start in the Agency Workspace.

Select the "Request New Quote" button near the top of the page.

B. Property Address

Enter the property address. A verified address should show from the first dropdown window.

Choose "NFIP Flood" from the second drop down window.

Additional Property Address Details

Start in the Agency workspace by selecting "Request New Quote." Enter the property address, verify it on the map, and choose the line of business (e.g., NFIP Flood). The address is verified using the United States Postal Service.

C. Step 1: Basic Information

After assigning the property address, the policy effective date and insured details must be entered.

From this point forward, the right side of the page will show a page completion list with the quote/application progress.

NFIP quotes are made in real time and rates are subject to change. All quotes must follow the NFIP waiting period rules assigned to new policies. For more information about each waiting period rule and how to calculate the application effective date, refer to the NFIP Effective Date Calculation.

NFIP Policy Effective Dates

An NFIP flood policy has a 30-day waiting period provided the premium and the application are received within 10 days of the agent sign date, unless one of the following exceptions apply:

Map Revision: A 1-day waiting period may apply if there's been a map provision and the property was previously in a B, C, X, or D zone and is now in an A1 through A30 or V1 through V30 zone. The rezoning must have occurred no more than 13 months prior to today's date.
Loan Exception: If this policy is being purchased to meet a lender requirement for a new purchase, loan closing, or the increasing, extending, or renewing of a loan, the policy will go into effect at the time of closing provided the application and premium are received in a timely manner.
Post-Wildfire Exception: A 1-day waiting period applies if the insured property is privately owned and post-wildfire conditions on federal lands caused or worsened the flooding. The insured must have purchased the new policy or additional coverage on or before the fire containment date or during the 60 days following the containment date.

Additional Policyholder Details

The policyholder should be identified as an individual or a legal entity, such as a trust. An additional co-insured (optional) can be added by clicking the slider option below the Insured Email Address.

D. Step 2: Third Party Data

The Third Party Data step pre-populates essential property details from public records.

Agents should review all data for accuracy and manually input any missing or inaccurate information.

Date of Construction

The date of construction is the date that the original building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction was within 180 days of the permit date. If the applicant does not know the date the building permit was issued, enter January 1 as the date and month and provide the actual year of construction. If the year of construction is the same as the initial FIRM date, the exact day and month will be required.

Number of Floors

Determine the building's number of floors based on the number of floors above the ground, excluding enclosures, crawl spaces which are both on grade or subgrade basements, and certain attics if only used for storage. For example:

A building with a basement and one floor above ground is rated as having one floor.
An elevated building with an enclosure either compliant or non-compliant and one additional floor above it is rated as having one floor.

Indicate the total number of floors in a multi-unit building, even if the policy will cover only an individual unit.

Square Footage

For a single-family home, a residential manufactured mobile home, a residential unit, or two- to four-family building, provide the total finished living area. Do not include:

Garage area
Basement or enclosure area
Porches or decks

For other types of buildings, include the square footage of stairwells and elevator shafts but exclude basements or mezzanines. If all floors are the same size, calculate the floor area first, then compute the gross floor area by multiplying the ground floor area by the number of floors.

Building Replacement Cost Value

The building replacement cost is the cost to replace the building or unit, including the cost of the foundation for a building, not for a unit. The building replacement cost used for rating has no bearing on the amount of coverage the policyholder can select. If you do not agree with the replacement cost provided, update it accordingly. Supporting documentation requirements vary based on the type of building and its size, and the replacement cost must be validated every three years.

Substantial Improvement Date

A substantially improved building is a building that has undergone reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% (or a lower threshold if adopted and enforced by the community) of the market value of the building for the start of construction. This does not include:

Improvements to correct code violations
Alterations to historic buildings that preserve their designation

Construction Type

Select the construction type:

Frame: First floor above ground level is constructed with wood or metal frame walls.
Masonry: First floor above ground level is constructed with masonry, including brick or concrete block walls for the full story.
Other: Includes mixed materials or specific exceptions like knee walls.

CBRA/OPA

The bottom of the page shows the community information and confirms CBRS and OPA details.

NFIP Participating Community Information: This section shows NFIP community classifications and program details such as regular, emergency, non-participating, or suspended status.

Coastal Barriers and Protected Areas (CBRS/OPA): Yes/No fields determine if the property falls within Coastal Barriers Resource System (CBRS) or Otherwise Protected Areas (OPA). These options impact eligibility and policy requirements.

E. Step 3: Property Information

The Property Information step collects essential details about the property's residential use and the policy's interests.

F. Step 4: Building Type

The Building Type step allows agents to select the building's occupancy type and description. This step uses a button-based interface to simplify the process.

G. Step 5: Foundation Type

The Foundation Type step uses a series of radio buttons to help agents select the correct foundation type for the building. Clicking on a radio button displays images of foundation types, which can be clicked to finalize the selection.

Agents must also answer a single question about the number of elevators in the building.

H. Step 6: Elevation Certificate Information

The Elevation Certificate Information step requires agents to manually enter key details from an Elevation Certificate (EC).

I. Step 7: Qualifying Questions

The Qualifying Questions step assesses the building's eligibility for coverage with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Agents must confirm that the property meets specific structural and locational criteria, such as the building's structural makeup and location relative to bodies of water.

J. Step 8: Coverage, Deductibles & Discounts

The Coverage, Deductibles & Discounts step allows agents to select policy coverage amounts, choose deductible options, and confirm discount eligibility for the applicant.

Discount Eligibility

Agents must answer questions to determine eligibility for specific NFIP discounts, such as:

Prior policy status, including lapses for Newly Mapped or Pre-FIRM discounts.
The elevation of essential equipment, such as air conditioners, water heaters, and elevator machinery, above the first-floor elevation.

K. Step 9: Rates

The Rates step provides a summary of the total annual premium, itemized by coverage type and discounts, and collects final details needed to complete the application.

Agents must:

Review the itemized premium amounts and verify accuracy.
Enter any of the additional details:
- Insured mailing address
- Additional insureds
- Mortgagee information
- Agent of record
Provide any additional relevant details in the text box for supplementary information.
Electronically sign the document.

Next Steps

Once all steps are finished, the NFIP Application is complete.
The next step for Equinox to issue the policy would be to submit premium payment.

This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources.