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Insurance Glossary

ICC Coverage

Property

Definition

Increased Cost of Compliance coverage - an additional flood insurance benefit of up to $30,000 to help pay for mitigation measures that reduce flood risk after a flood loss. ICC coverage is automatically included in all NFIP policies at no additional cost. It can be used for elevation, relocation, demolition, or floodproofing of buildings that have been substantially damaged or repetitively flooded. ICC funds are paid in addition to building claim payments but cannot exceed $30,000. To qualify, the building must be declared substantially damaged by the community, and the mitigation work must meet NFIP and local requirements. ICC coverage helps property owners comply with floodplain management regulations after a loss.

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Related Terms

NFIP
The National Flood Insurance Program is a federal program created by Congress in 1968 to provide flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. Managed by FEMA, the NFIP makes flood insurance available in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations to reduce future flood damage. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, making NFIP policies essential for properties in flood-prone areas. The program offers up to $250,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage.
Substantial Damage
Damage of any origin sustained by a building where the cost of restoring the structure to its pre-damaged condition equals or exceeds 50% of the market value before the damage occurred. Substantially damaged buildings must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management regulations when repaired, including meeting elevation requirements. This applies to damage from any cause (flood, fire, earthquake, etc.), not just flooding. The 50% threshold is calculated using the building's market value excluding land value. Communities track cumulative damage over time to prevent property owners from avoiding compliance through multiple smaller repairs. Substantial damage determinations are made by local floodplain administrators.
Flood Insurance
Insurance coverage that protects against losses from flooding, which is specifically excluded from standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Flood insurance covers direct physical losses caused by flooding, including overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual accumulation of surface water, mudflow, and collapse of land along a body of water. Available primarily through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, with a typical 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Essential for properties in flood zones but recommended for all properties since 25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas.
Actual Cash Value
The repayment value for indemnification due to loss or damage of property; in most cases it is replacement cost minus depreciation.
Collision Coverage
Insurance coverage that pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage
Insurance coverage for damage to your vehicle from causes other than collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, weather events, or hitting an animal.
Coverage
The scope of protection provided under an insurance policy, including the types of losses and risks that are covered.