Louisiana leads the nation in repeat flood losses and has received more federal flood insurance money than any other state. What Louisiana Homeowners Need to Know Right NowWith NFIP lapsed, FEMA has lost authority to issue new flood insurance policies or renew expiring ones. Mortgage lenders require flood insurance for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas—places with a 1% or higher annual flood risk. Understanding Louisiana’s Deeper Flood Insurance CrisisThe NFIP lapse compounds Louisiana’s existing flood insurance crisis. If you’re trying to buy a home in a flood zone, your closing is now on hold if you need flood insurance.