Flood Insurance Cost Estimator
Estimate annual flood insurance premiums based on your FEMA NFIP zone, building height, and replacement cost. Flood insurance is separate from home insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is flood insurance really required?
Yes — if your home is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A, AE, AH, AO, VE) and you have a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or any federally insured lender, flood insurance is mandatory. Even in Zone X, if you've had a flood in the past or are getting a federally backed mortgage, you may need it.
Why is flood insurance so expensive?
Flood insurance was originally designed by FEMA to cover catastrophic flood events that private insurers won't touch. If your home is below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and in a high-risk zone, premiums are steep — $1,500-3,000/year is not uncommon. Elevating your home above BFE can cut costs dramatically.
Can I get private flood insurance?
Yes — the private market has grown significantly since 2020. Private flood may be cheaper than NFIP for well-elevated homes or properties outside the riskiest zones. But private carriers don't have the same guaranteed coverage as NFIP. Always get both quotes.