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         U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency - National Flood Insurance Program

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      Buying a Policy
          
                                	
			      Buying a Policy
        
    
              Why Buy Flood Insurance
              Am I Required to Have Flood Insurance?
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              Types of Flood Insurance
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			      Renewing a Policy
        
    
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			      Flood Risks and Costs
        
    
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              Before and After a Flood
          
                                	
			      Before and After a Flood
        
    
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              Elevation Certificates Why you need flood insuranceSince 1996, flooding has affected 99% of U.S. counties, bringing significant damage and financial costs to homeowners and businesses. So, **when**a flood hits,**be ready with flood insurance.**Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps pay for damage to the structure and/or contents of your home. That’s money that is otherwise coming out of your pocket. Because, guess what? Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding.
              Mobile phoneContact your insurance agent to purchase a flood insurance policy. Need help finding an agent? Use the insurance provider locator to find a company near you.Get CoveredNeed help finding the right coverage?Use our locator tool to find a provider near you.Contact a Provider Today
              What’s CoveredRemember, most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. That’s why the NFIP offers two types of coverage—building coverage and contents coverage—to protect your home and belongings.
              Explore Your Options
      
								 
            Even if you are not in an area that requires flood insurance, you can still benefit.From 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims.
              
              Why should I purchase flood insurance if:
              Q: I already have a homeowners insurance policy?
      A: Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.

				 
  Q: My community has never flooded?
      A: Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Poor drainage systems, summer storms, melting snow, neighborhood construction, and broken water mains can all result in flooding.In high-risk areas, there is at least a **one-in-four chance** of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

				 
  Q: I live outside of the high-risk flood area?
      A: Even though flood insurance isn’t required for your property, flooding can happen to anyone.In fact, from 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas **filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims** and required one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding.

				 
  Q: My home flood damage could be covered by federal disaster assistance?
      A: Federal disaster assistance is only made available when there is a Presidential disaster declaration, and most flood events do not result in a declaration. Disaster assistance typically comes in the form of loans that must be repaid – with interest!Disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to kick-start recovery, but is not enough restore your home to its pre-disaster condition or to replace your treasured household items.Flood insurance does not have to be paid back, and it is designed to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition. There is no better way to protect the life you’ve built than with NFIP flood insurance.

				 
  Q: I'm renting a property?
      A: It’s likely your landlord has flood insurance that covers the building, but not its contents.Affordable, contents-only flood insurance will help you protect the items inside of your unit in the event of a flood.





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