Flood Insurance

Did you know, homeowners insurance typically does not cover flooding?

Homes and businesses located in flood areas need to have flood insurance to cover damages caused by flooding.429 Lars Lane #1

Because post-wildfire floods are typically more severe than before wildfires, landowners and business owners around burned areas need to reassess their flood risk. Here are some other key flood insurance points to remember:

  • Anyone living in a county, community, or jurisdiction participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has the opportunity to purchase flood insurance. Click here to confirm you live in a participating community and view your Community ID.
  • You do not need to live within a FEMA flood zone to purchase flood insurance, and premiums for those living outside the flood zone are often less expensive.
  • The idea of purchasing flood insurance outside of the mapped flood zone (to protect against increased post-wildfire flood risk) may be confusing for insurance agents at first. If you are in an NFIP participating community and want flood insurance, you CAN get it – do not take no for an answer from an insurance agent that tells you otherwise.
  • If you are having trouble with your local insurance agent, you can contact the NFIP Referral Center at 1-800-427-4661 to request an agent referral.
  • There is typically a 30-day waiting period for insurance to take affect (with rare exceptions). Flooding can occur with the next thunderstorm after a fire – ACT FAST! Or better yet, explore purchasing flood insurance before the wildfire, even if you have not been at risk for flooding. Your premium should be low.
  • Remember: Post-wildfire conditions combined with thunderstorms can cause flooding in places you have never seen running water. Contact your local NRCS Office or Conservation District Office for more information on your specific risk.