US federal government shutdown creates opportunities for private flood insurers

The US National Flood Insurance Program has been frozen following the government shutdown. As the political stalemate grinds on, private flood insurance providers spy an opportunity to step into the breach – but there are hurdles

While the US government shutdown continues, the country’s main flood insurance provider, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), has largely shut up shop; without a new appropriation from the US Congress, it cannot issue or renew policies.