Flood insurance hikes to hit homeowners

Feds say premiums collected don’t cover payout

More than 4,900 homeowners in Oklahoma will see their flood insurance premiums rise.

For many years, the federal government offered subsidized flood insurance on homes and businesses built before there were many rules about building close to the water.

But premiums collected haven't been sufficient to cover the payouts, leaving the program $24 billion in debt.

The recently overhauled federal law will limit increases to 18 percent a year for homeowners

The federal government is now reducing subsidies for policies under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Business owners and owners of vacation homes will see a mandatory 25 percent increase.