NFIP Direct system migration, blackout period

As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance and streamline the systems that support flood insurance processing, National Flood Insurance Program Direct is migrating to a new system, with the go-live date set for Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8 a.m. (EDT). To prepare for this transition, there will be a system blackout period beginning Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. (EDT). 

What this means for you 

During the blackout period (March 28-April 7, 2025), you will not be able to: 

• process endorsements or renewals; 
• generate quotes; or
• submit or manage claims.

Policyholders also will lose access to their online portals during this time. Normal access and processing will resume on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8 a.m. (EDT). For immediate assistance during the blackout, producers are encourage to contact the Flood Mapping and Insurance Exchange at (877) 336-2627.

Register for the NFIP Direct-to-Consumer Registry 

If your agency has not yet registered with the NFIP D2C Registry, which launched in October 2024, we recommend that you do so now. 

You can register at: https://agents.floodsmart.gov/agency-registry. 

You should receive a status email within an hour of completing your registration. 

Important notes about the registration process

You’ll need to affiliate your agency with one specific Write-Your-Own company or with NFIP Direct. Although many agencies work with multiple WYOs, the system currently only supports affiliation with one. 

The selected WYO or NFIP Direct will verify licensing information submitted during registration. 

Previously, FEMA had indicated that reauthorization by WYOs may be required periodically (every six to 12 months), though this may vary depending on final implementation. 

Not all WYOs have opted into the D2C program. If your preferred carrier is not listed, it may have chosen not to participate, though they can still write NFIP policies through other channels. 

Biannual reauthorization: FEMA plans to revalidate agency registrations every six months. Agencies that fail to respond to reauthorization requests may be removed from the registry.   

Final reminders:

• Plan ahead! Make sure all time-sensitive NFIP Direct processing is completed before March 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. (EDT). 
• Let your policyholders know about the blackout and temporary access limitations. 
• Complete your D2C Registry registration if you haven’t already to avoid disruptions later.

More on the NFIP Direct-to-Consumer Quoting Tool

Here’s what you need to know about the D2D quoting tool, its functionality, and how it impacts insurance agents, brokers, and agencies.   

How the NFIP Quoting Tool works: The NFIP Quoting Tool allows consumers to input property-specific details to receive an initial flood insurance quote. While consumers cannot yet purchase policies directly through the tool, they can take the quote to a licensed insurance agent or agency listed within the platform to finalize and bind coverage.   

Some key features of the quoting tool include:  

• Property-specific quotes: Users can receive an estimate tailored to their property details, which helps streamline their path to coverage.  
• Agent/agency locator: The tool generates a randomized list of licensed agents or agencies available to assist the user, but consumers also can work with any authorized agent of their choice.   
• Terms and conditions: Prospective policyholders must agree to disclaimers before using the tool, acknowledging that FEMA may reform policies if inaccurate or incomplete information is provided.  

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to PIA’s Industry Resource Center at resourcecenter@pia.org.