N.J. Admin. Code § 11:1-5.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 11:1-5.5 - Notice regarding flood damage coverage

(a) All fire and casualty insurers, including the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association (FAIR Plan), that write homeowners insurance, as defined in 11:2-42.2, shall provide their policyholders at least annually with a notice that includes the following information:

1. A homeowners insurance policy does not cover property damage from floods.

2. Flood means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land area from:

i. The overflow of inland or tidal waters;

ii. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;

iii. Mudslides (that is, mudflows) that are proximately caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, including your premises, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current;

3. Flood also includes the collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding cyclical levels, which results in the partial or complete inundation of normally dry land area;

4. A separate policy of flood insurance may be available to cover flood damage at an additional premium;

5. The insurer or insurance agent should be consulted to obtain further information about how to secure flood insurance, including the availability, terms and coverage;

6. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to property, contents and structure resulting from floods; however, flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program which exists in participating communities; and

7. The National Flood Insurance Program coverage contains separate content and structure coverage. A policyholder should consult with the National Flood Insurance Program or his insurer or insurance producer as to whether the coverage selected is appropriate to the policyholder's needs.

(b) The notice shall be provided at new business inception and at least annually thereafter. For the purpose of this subsection, new business inception means when the application is taken; when the coverage is bound; or when the policy is presented to the insured. The notice may be included with other materials sent to the policyholder.

N.J. Admin. Code § 11:1-5.5

Amended by 46 N.J.R. 858(a), effective 5/19/2014.