Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are life of loan (LOL) updates processed?
Detailed LOL process and LOL update notification and retrieval processes
What is the cost per flood determination?
Our pricing structure is in line with the industry average and is based on yearly volume. For more specific pricing information, call (800) 447-7893.
How are your flood determination done?
- The property is new construction or is located on a street that is newly developed
- The address is located near a Special Flood Hazard Area
- The address that was submitted is incomplete (street only, intersection, etc.)
- The legal description was submitted as the address (parcel number; lot, block subdivision; etc.)
- The address was submitted as a RR & Box or HC & Box
How many flood determinations are required for multi-tennant dwellings?
Number of determinations required for condominiums, duplexes, and apartment complexes
Comprehensive flood determination procedures are available for your reference.
What are the possible flood zones and what do they mean?
Flood zone designations and descriptions
Where can I find general Information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
How do I order a determination if I don’t have an address?
To order a determination for property that doesn’t have an address, proceed as follows:
- Input Address:
- Enter all information that you do know (Street, City , State, Zip)
- No Address – Enter “See Legal”
- No City – Enter “See Legal”
- No Zip Code - Enter “00000”
- Submit the order
- The order requires manual research and you may need to click “Send for Research”
- A certificate number is provided as confirmation that the order was successfully placed
If you have additional information to help us with the determination, email it to floods@wolterskluwer.com or fax it to 877-232-9873, and reference the certificate number so that it can be included with the request for processing. You can also upload the additional information to the website if you have access to www.settlementservices.com. Ask for user information if you’re unsure how to upload the information.
Can a flood determination be completed on a property without a structure?
Yes. We can process a Land Only determination for properties without structures. Land Only policies
What are the policies regarding loan ID and name changes, recertifications, and back-dating?
In some cases we can change a loan ID or name on a completed flood determination. Check the types of changes allowed.in the Flood Determination Business Policies
I entered the incorrect address when I submitted my flood determination request! What do I do?
Rules for fixing an incorrect address
What is meant by "Participating Community"?
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for each community is voluntary. Participation indicates that the residents in that community are able, and required by law, to purchase flood insurance if any part of an insurable structure on their property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If a community is a "Non-Participating" community or has been suspended by FEMA, flood insurance is not available.
Flood Determination Disputes
We will gladly reinvestigate any flood determination in question with the assistance of additional information that the client provides. When requesting a review, please email (floods@wolterskluwer.com) or fax (877-232-9873) the following information to Wolters Kluwer Financial Services:
- The certificate number or a copy of the flood certificate
- Requestor contact information (phone, email, fax)
- Additional information for the review:
- Letter of map change
- Plat/Survey
- Complete legal description
Sending this information does not guarantee that the determination will be changed, just that it will be investigated. If we are unable to change the determination, the client has the option to appeal to FEMA and will be sent instructions on how to do so. All disputes are processed on a rush basis, however, there is no guaranteed turnaround time, but most are returned within a few hours. Clients will be notified as soon as we have reached a decision.
Click here for information on the Letter of Map Change (LOMC) process.
What is an insurable structure, as defined by the NFIP?
A structure is any walled and roofed improvement predominately above ground including manufactured homes affixed to permanent foundations.
What if my property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), but the structure is not? Is flood insurance required?
No, the structure itself has to be in the SFHA to require insurance.