Flood Insurance
Floods can happen anywhere, and they can pack a serious punch. Just imagine one inch of water causing up to $25,000 in damage! Most standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover that. That’s where flood insurance steps in.
Flood insurance is a separate policy designed to protect your most important financial assets—your home, business, and belongings. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, offers this crucial protection.
What is the NFIP?
The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. This coverage helps you get back on your feet faster after a flood by covering damages to buildings and contents.
The NFIP works with nearly 23,000 communities that have agreed to enforce specific rules about building in flood-prone areas, which helps lessen the impact of floods. If you live in one of these communities, you’re eligible to purchase flood insurance.
Purchasing Flood Insurance
Ready to get covered? Here’s how:
- Contact your insurance agent: The same person who handles your home or auto insurance can usually set you up with flood insurance. If you need help finding an agent, head over to FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider.
- Call the NFIP: You can also call the NFIP directly at 877-336-2627.
Keep in mind that there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before an NFIP policy goes into effect. Plan accordingly!
The NFIP in Action
FEMA runs the show for the NFIP, working hand-in-hand with insurance companies, state and local officials, and lenders. Over 50 private insurance companies participate in the “Write-Your-Own” (WYO) program, selling and servicing NFIP policies through their agents. FEMA handles the underwriting.
Currently, 4.7 million people across the nation have flood insurance policies, making the NFIP the biggest insurance program of its kind. The program covers nearly $1.3 trillion in potential flood damage.
More Information
The NFIP offers plenty of resources to help you understand the process before, during, and after a flood:
- Publications, videos, and online tools
- Fact sheets
- Guidance for agents and servicers
For more details, check out FloodSmart.gov.
Programs and Tools
Want to learn even more and interact with the NFIP?
- View all the available tools and programs at FloodSmart.gov.
NFIP Laws and Reforms
The NFIP started in 1968 but has undergone changes over the years. More information on the legislative changes can be found on the FEMA website.
Need Help?
- Policy Questions: Contact your insurance agent.
- Complex Cases: Reach out to your agent or the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate.
- General NFIP Questions: Call the Call Center.
