Who's eligible for NFIP flood insurance?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires communities to follow guidelines that lower residents' flood risk. You can get an NFIP flood insurance policy if you live in an area that implements those rules. Most communities in the U.S. participate.
Flood insurance is available in areas that work to reduce flood risk
You can get flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program if your city or town participates in the NFIP’s floodplain management requirements. Following the rules helps reduce a community’s flood risk.
Your mortgage lender may require flood insurance
You're required to have flood insurance if you own a home or business in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and have a government-backed mortgage.
Some banks require flood insurance even if you don't live in a high-risk area. Ask your mortgage lender about its flood insurance terms.
You must have flood insurance to continue to receive disaster assistance
If your property has received federal disaster assistance before, you must have flood insurance to qualify for future disaster assistance. This includes disaster grants from FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.
This requirement is tied to a property, not an individual homeowner. That means if you bought a home from someone who once got disaster aid for it, you are required to have flood insurance.
Find out if you’re eligible for flood insurance
Frequently asked questions about flood insurance
No, most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. It also won’t fulfill the mortgage or federal disaster assistance requirements for flood insurance. Only flood insurance meets those rules and covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.
Yes, but only if the president officially declares a disaster. Most flood events do not get a presidential disaster declaration.
Disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to kick-start recovery. If your home received federal assistance in the past, you must have flood insurance to get it again.
Disaster aid typically comes in the form of loans that must be repaid with interest. Flood insurance claim payments, on the other hand, do not have to be paid back.
Check your community's status on FEMA's website. Scroll down to “Find a Community Status Report” and select your state.
You can also call or email the NFIP's FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) Customer Service Specialist.
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Get a custom NFIP flood insurance quote
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You can get a personalized estimate of your flood insurance costs from the NFIP online.
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Find a local flood insurance provider
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The NFIP partners with insurance companies and agents nationwide. Use our directory to find one in your area.
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Follow the policy checklist for homeowners
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There are several actions you can take to reduce flood damage. And you’ll pay less for flood insurance as a result.
