The Indicator from Planet Money

Why the government's flood insurance program is underwater

31 snips
Nov 13, 2024
Rising flooding events are wreaking havoc across the U.S., yet homeowners find themselves with limited flood insurance options. The National Flood Insurance Program is drowning in debt, struggling to stay afloat despite its role as the primary provider. The history of flooding in places like Waterbury, Vermont, reveals community challenges and the industry's hesitance to insure high-risk areas. Meanwhile, outdated flood maps and misaligned incentives complicate the program's reform, creating a costly dilemma for taxpayers.
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ANECDOTE

Repeated Flooding in Waterbury

  • Ben Ayers' house in Waterbury, Vermont, flooded multiple times recently.
  • His great-great-grandfather built the house in 1892, before major floods were common.
ANECDOTE

1927 Waterbury Flood

  • The town experienced a major flood in 1927, with water reaching 12-15 feet deep.
  • Ben's grandfather escaped the flood by rowboat but chose to self-insure instead of buying flood insurance.
INSIGHT

Flood Insurance Unavailable

  • In 1927, private insurance companies stopped offering flood coverage after the Great Mississippi River flood.
  • This made it nearly impossible for homeowners to get flood insurance.
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