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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does First American's Map Change Service cost?
  2. Do I need to provide anything to get a Letter of Map Change (LOMC)?
  3. Should I continue to carry flood insurance?
  4. How do lending institutions determine a loan's flood insurance requirement?
  5. What is earthen fill and how does it affect the floodplain?

1. How much does First American's Flood Map Change Service cost?

The cost for our comprehensive service is $500 per residential structure and $1,000 per commercial structure. If earthen fill has been placed on your property, then FEMA charges a $425 fee, which is paid directly to the NFIP and is separate from our service fees.

2. Do I need to provide anything to get a map change?

To start the process, please complete the Letter of Map Change order form and provide us with an Elevation Certificate. One of our LOMC specialists will complete a complimentary review of the documentation available on your property to determine whether your property is a good candidate for the LOMC process.

In some cases, you may already have in your possession documents which FEMA will request, such as a recorded property deed and a property survey. If so, it will expedite the process if you go ahead and provide us with these documents as soon as possible. We will keep you informed as to any additional requests made by FEMA during the process.

3. Should I continue to carry flood insurance while I'm in the LOMA or LOMR-F process?

Yes. If flood insurance is being required by your lender, then until your lender releases you from the insurance requirement, you must maintain flood insurance. Once you receive the LOMA or LOMR F you can contact your mortgage company regarding your flood insurance policy.

Regardless of the lender's insurance requirement, an LOMC may reduce your insurance premium by making your property eligible for a lower cost policy. Because roughly 25% of all flood insurance claims come from properties outside of the designated high-risk zones, maintaining a flood policy is advisable no matter what your flood zone designation is. (Source: www.fema.gov - FloodSmart Facts & Statistics)

4. How do lending institutions determine a loan's flood insurance requirement?

The lending institution must determine or have a third party determine whether a building or mobile home (and personal property securing the loan, if applicable) is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map for the property's community. If any portion of the structure is located within the SFHA, then flood insurance is required.

The steps, as outlined by FEMA, to make the flood zone determination are as follows:

  • Identify the correct flood map.
  • Locate the general location of the subject property.
  • Find the specific location of the structure on the flood map.
  • Identify the flood insurance risk zone as shown on the flood map.

5. What is earthen fill and how does it affect the floodplain?

For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), fill refers to soil that is used to raise the level of the ground. Depending on where the soil is placed, fill may change the flow of water or increase flood elevations. Fill may be used to elevate a building to meet the NFIP requirements. Sometimes fill is combined with other methods of elevation such as pilings or foundation walls. Placement of fill in the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local permit from the community. If fill has been added and removes a structure or property from a floodplain, FEMA may issue a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill, which would remove the federal flood insurance requirement.