F-671 (10-12)
Here is the National Flood Insurance Guide that you requested. This brochure will not only show 

you how to purchase flood insurance, it will also show you how to protect your home or business 

from this destructive force of nature. 

Floods have caused more than $25 billion in insured losses in the U.S. in the last ten years. Being 

insured is one of your best forms of protection. Since flooding typically isn’t covered under your 

homeowners insurance policy, the best way to protect your home is through the National Flood 

Insurance Program.

Remember, floods occur in all 50 states. And you aren’t covered until you’re flood covered. After 

you read this brochure, be sure to contact your insurance agent or your insurance company and 

set up an appointment. If your agent does not write flood insurance policies, you can contact us 

and we will put you in touch with an agent who does. 

to damage your property. Just a few inches 

of water from a flood can cause tens of 

thousands of dollars in damage. Fortunately, 

flood insurance is available to almost everyone.

The National Flood Insurance Program defines 

a flood as a general and temporary condition 

of partial or complete inundation of two or 

more acres of normally dry land area or of 

two or more properties, one of which is yours.

Flooding can occur anywhere at any time of 

the year. Whether they result from flash floods, 

mudflows, snow melt or heavy rains, floods can 

devastate communities.

Floods usually strike without warning. They occur 

in all 50 states. With the construction of more 

roads, shopping malls, homes and businesses, 

the chance of flooding increases.

Millions of buildings have been damaged over 

the last several years. People have lost their 

homes and belongings, and they never saw it 

coming. Are you insured against such a hazard?

Truth is, you can live miles away from water and 

still be a victim of flooding. In fact, more than 

one in five NFIP flood claims occur outside of 

mapped high-risk areas. It doesn’t take much 

FLOODS ARE THE #1 NATURAL DISASTER 

IN THE UNITED STATES.
Most homeowners insurance 

does not cover flood damage.
federal government. Policies are available to 

homeowners, condo owners, apartment owners, 

renters and business owners.

Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from 

date of purchase before your policy goes into 

effect. If your lender requires flood insurance 

when making, increasing, extending or renewing 

a loan on a building in a high-risk area, there is no 

waiting period. There is a one-day waiting period 

when a revised flood map is issued. Contact your 

insurance agent or insurance company for more 

information. 

Your homeowners insurance covers many hazards. 

Flooding typically isn’t one of them. Also, many 

people believe federal disaster assistance will 

cover them. Not always! The President must 

first declare a flood a federal disaster; any 

assistance you receive is usually a loan that has 

to be repaid with interest.

That’s why you need flood insurance. The 

National Flood Insurance Program was created by 

Congress in response to the rising cost of disaster 

relief for flood victims, and for more than 40 years 

it has provided protection for millions of families. 

About 100 private insurance companies 

nationally offer flood insurance backed by the 
Floods caused more 

than $25 billion in 

losses over the last 

ten years.
The cost of your premium is determined by your 

level of risk, how much coverage you choose, your 

deductible, and the age, elevation and type of 

building. The average premium for a residential 

flood insurance policy is less than $2 a day. If you 

live in a single-family dwelling outside of a mapped

high-risk area, your premiums could be even lower.

The NFIP Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) is available 

for residential and commercial properties 

located outside of mapped high-risk areas, and 

premiums start at less than $130 a year. 

Contents-only PRPs are also available for renters 

living outside of mapped high-risk areas, and 

premiums are as little as $39 a year. Ask your 

agent if you qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy.

To determine your flood risk, visit FloodSmart.gov 

or call 1-800-358-9616.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

There are two types of coverage: building and contents. 

Building Coverage

•	 Homeowners and condominium unit owners

can purchase up to $250,000 of building 

coverage. 

•	 Businesses can purchase up to $500,000

of building coverage.

•	 Residential condominium associations can

purchase up to $250,000 for each eligible 

unit or the replacement cost of the building, 

whichever is less.

Contents Coverage

•	 Homeowners and condominium unit owners

can purchase up to $100,000 for contents.

•	 Businesses can purchase up to $500,000

for contents.

•	 Renters can also purchase contents

protection up to $100,000.
More than one out of five NFIP 

flood claims occurs outside of 

mapped high-risk areas.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 

a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Don’t be one of those homeowners. If you live in one of the nearly 21,500 communities 

that participate in the NFIP, you can purchase a flood insurance policy. Talk to your insurance 

agent. If your insurance agent doesn’t write flood policies, you can contact one of the many 

insurance companies and agents who write policies under a special arrangement with the NFIP. 

Call 1-888-724-6924 and ask for an agent in your area, or visit FloodSmart.gov.

Be flood smart—because you never know when a flood will strike. Everyone’s at risk. Don’t take

a chance! Take a moment to call your insurance agent or insurance company before it’s too late.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 

a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS THOUGHT

IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN TO THEM.
General Information

National Flood Insurance Program 1-888-724-6924 FloodSmart.gov Request a flood insurance information packet. Find an insurance agent.

FEMA.gov/national-floodinsurance-program Learn about your flood risks.

Map Service Center 1-877-336-2627 MSC.FEMA.gov Request flood hazard maps of your community.

FEMA Disaster Assistance 1-800-621-3362 FEMA.gov Learn about disaster planning and assistance for your home and business.

Language Line Services 1-800-523-1786 Request interpreted assistance with FEMA.

Disaster Preparedness 

Disaster Help disasterassistance.gov What is the U.S. Government doing to prepare for disasters?

Disaster Preparedness Ready.gov Prepare your home. Prepare your business. Prepare your family.

Weather

National Weather Service NOAA.gov Get up-to-date national weather information.

National Hurricane Center NHC.NOAA.gov How will the next hurricane affect your area? Preparing for hurricanes.

Becoming flood smart means knowing who to contact to learn more 

about the risks of flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program 

recommends the following resources for becoming flood smart:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

PO Box 2012

Jessup, MD 20794

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use – $300