BOSTON – Last week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss the status of the City of Boston’s application to certify with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS)  – a program that can save residents and businesses thousands of dollars in flood insurance costs. The Boston City Council unanimously supported a resolution urging the City of Boston to certify with FEMA for the CRS program. This follows reports that Boston missed a self imposed deadline to register on CRS, while residents in flood risk zones could be eligible for discounts on flood insurance premiums through the program.

When a municipality has been certified to join the Community Rating System, the community is assigned a class number between 1 and 9. Each class merits a 5 percent discount for all residents who obtained flood insurance through the NFIP. Class 1 cuts flood insurance premiums by 45 percent for policyholders. According to reports, since the City of Boston missed its original goal to certify for CRS in 2021, policyholders have paid approximately $15.7 million in premiums. Had Boston been assigned Class 9 in 2021, with a 5 percent discount, neighbors could have saved roughly $785,000.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. Homeowners with flood insurance policies cover both buildings and belongings. Building policies cover flood damage up to $250,000 and content policies up to $100,000. Renters’ flood insurance policies protect belongings within a home covering up to $100,000 of damage. Commercial flood insurance protects the building and equipment used for businesses covering up to $500,000. Residents and businesses in Massachusetts with policies through the National Flood Insurance Program have received discounts up to 20%. In order to qualify and get a discount on flood insurance, cities must receive a certification known as Community Rating System from FEMA. The City of Boston has not applied to receive this certification, leaving residents to pay thousands of dollars every year.

“Sea level rise is a significant issue in many neighborhoods throughout Boston. I heard serious concerns from my constituents in South Boston, Back Bay, Fort Point and the Wharf District regarding the city failing to apply for FEMA’s Community Rating System program, like other coastal communities across the country and New England – and how Boston’s inaction has left residents prone to higher flood insurance premiums,” said Councilor Flynn. “It was critical that the City Council recently spoke in one voice – to say that Boston needs to make this a top priority, and potentially save millions of dollars for policyholders. A difficult application process is no excuse for us to delay certification any longer, especially with rising costs for those living in the flood map.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].