The following post is part of a series of blogs written by MeridianLink Partners who will be attending the MeridianLink LIVE! User Forum in May 2022. To learn more about the event, click here.
Seeing is believing. A visual representation of a building location in relation to the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) can be a valuable aid in conveying the need for flood insurance, when the structure(s) are within the SFHA, or to help borrowers make an informed decision when the structure(s) are outside the SFHA.
Risk Factor
From 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40% of all NFIP flood insurance claims and required one-third of federal disaster aid for flooding, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. So, with this in mind, one can see why it would be important to understand how close all structures on a property lie in relation to the nearest SFHA. In many of these instances, a Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form for a property does not give enough detail to the borrower or lender and may leave them unaware of the potential risk of flooding the property faces.
Quick & Accurate
By using an aerial Map Copy, a lender can see the distance to the next hazardous zone from any structure on the property. Due to the nature of the risk, it’s important that lenders review accurate and easy-to-read maps. A clear Map Copy provides beneficial information about nearby SFHAs that may not directly affect the primary structure or structures. Make sure to also work with a vendor that can customize your order process so that you receive the Map Copy time in your process—automatically with all orders or only determinations in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Results
The benefits of ordering an easy-to-read aerial Map Copy along with a flood zone determination extend beyond just being able to see the multiple structures on a property and can significantly reduce the risk for the borrower and lender. DataVerify Flood Services’ easy-to-read aerial map copy, combined with our turn-key integration can provide the digital lift lenders and borrowers need to work through the uncertainties surrounding SFHAs. Please reach out to learnmore@dataverifyflood.com for more information.
