Reformers hope the program will charge premiums that better reflect the risk in this age of increased storm activity and take a more proactive role in not funding the construction of homes on sites where there has been repeated damage.

In addition, reform legislation currently pending in Congress has become mired in the issue of how it is determined what damage is caused by wind (which is covered by private insurance) and what is caused by flooding (and therefore covered by the federal program).

“The program's growth could not have been achieved without a concerted effort by the NFIP and the program's partners, who have worked to encourage residents across the nation to understand the risks of flooding and learn about the limitations of traditional insurance policies,” Mr. Maurstad said. “Unfortunately, we've had a number of catastrophic natural events over the past few years, which also made people very aware of flooding risks.”

He credited better partnerships with the speedy settlement of nearly 250,000 flood insurance claims following the 2005 hurricanes.

“Those individuals, who were protected by flood insurance, are now well on their way toward a full recovery,” he said.

In the last two years, the NFIP policy in force growth has increased by more than 11 percent. Policy growth has been strongest in Florida, Texas and Louisiana, but other states have seen increases as well. Still, Mr. Maurstad said, more needs to be done.