In a prior post, we noted that much of Honolulu has yet to be mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood insurance purposes.  This leaves neighborhoods unrated for flood insurance, resulting in high premiums even for areas not prone to floods. 

     An informative story appearing over the weekend in the Naples News (Florida), found here.PDF, describes the process by which two counties in Southwest Florida have recently received updated flood maps.  The story explains that based on an area’s rating, policy holders can receive a savings on their insurance deductibles.  More accurate maps could also reflect additional flooding areas, however, meaning higher insurance rates for some and mandatory policies for others.