MIAMI — Among those feeling the pain of the government shutdown are people in coastal areas and other locations where they need flood insurance .

Flood risk is widespread in the U.S. Few people have insurance for it

Climate change is increasing the risk of dangerous floods. But people often balk at the cost of flood insurance, especially since many doubt they need protection.

The government-backed National Flood Insurance Program stopped writing new policies on Oct. 1 and can’t resume until it’s reauthorized by Congress. That may force buyers to postpone or cancel home sales .

Andy Kasten, an insurance broker in Fort Lauderdale, says the shutdown is already having an impact in Florida — the nation’s biggest flood insurance market. Many people who live on Florida’s coasts are in h

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