Flood Elevation Certificate in "D "zones

[ekparian]

We had a lady call the office requesting a Flood Elevation Certificate. She claims that her house has flooded in the past, and with El Nino on its way she would like to purchase flood insurance. When we did the research, we found that her Property is in Flood Zone D (without a BFE). the instructions on the Elevation Certificate do not mention Flood Zone D. I would assume that we could prepare a Elevation Certificate by filling out section E, but am not certain.

Also heard on the Radio last night that FEMA is Recommending people get flood insurance for this Winters El Nino.

Can you prepare a Flood Elevation Certificate for Zone D using Section E in the Elevation Certificate. my concern is that if we sell a service that is not accepted or not needed, we could potentially be liable for Fraud or Malpractice.

i am looking for some input from anyone that has been in a similar situation.

Thanks,
Drexyl

[steffan]

My experience is that insurer's don't need an elevation cert in order to provide flood insurance for a zone D. If this individual's insurer feels an elevation cert is needed, the owner can fill out the cert using Section E, no surveyor is necessary. I don't believe the rate or risk rating will be changed with a cert using Section E since the flood risk is undetermined and the insurance/risk rate is based on that.
My advice is for the individual to contact an engineer who specializes in hydraulics/hydrology to evaluate the risk and appropriate considerations for the particular site.

The following link may provide some help as to Zone D:

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/asse ... ents/22741