Get an elevation certificate
An elevation certificate (EC) ensures your property meets local flood safety requirements. And if you meet those requirements, you may pay less for flood insurance.
What is an elevation certificate?
An elevation certificate shows how high a building is compared to how high local floodwaters are expected to get. It includes information like your home's location, characteristics, and its First Floor Height. First Floor Height is the height of the first (lowest) floor above the ground.
Elevation certificates illustrate your flood risk
Elevation certificates help insurers assess your property's flood risk. Generally, water flows downward; that means the higher the first floor elevation, the less likely a home is to suffer flood damage. And, if your home is less likely to suffer flood damage, you'll pay less for flood insurance.
Find out if your property already has an elevation certificate
FAQs about elevation certificates
Start by contacting your local floodplain manager. They often work for your city's or county's building, permitting, engineering or land use department. Ask them if there is an elevation certificate on file for your property.
If your property doesn't have an elevation certificate on file, you'll need to hire a land surveyor, engineer or architect to complete one. Ask your flood insurance agent for advice about hiring someone.
Most homeowners do not need an elevation certificate to get flood insurance. The exception is if you live in a high risk (Zone A) or high risk coastal (Zone V) flood area. Homeowners in these areas may need elevation certificates to verify their properties complies with local safety standards.
Elevation certificates don't set your rate, but they can identify discounts. Even if you don't live in Zones A or V, it's worth checking to see if your property has an elevation certificate on file.
Maybe! The certificate will document your property's First Floor Height and other characteristics that protect it from flood damage.
Basements don't factor into your home's First Floor Height. They're measured separately because they are below ground.
Basements are an indicator of flood risk. If you have one, it will be noted on your elevation certificate.
Helpful information about elevation certificates and paying less for flood insurance
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Why First Floor Height is important
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Learn how FEMA uses First Floor Height to assess flood risk and why elevation certificates are flood safety tools.
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Estimate other available discounts
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You can modify your property to lower both your flood insurance cost and your risk for flood damage.
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Ways to protect your home and pay less
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You can take several actions to protect your home and reduce your premium. Getting an elevation certificate is just one of them.
