Is Flood Insurance Required? When and Where

When Flood Insurance Is Mandatory

Flood insurance is required by federal law when you have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender and your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHAs include all Zone A and Zone V designations on FEMA flood maps. This requirement exists because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

If your lender determines that your property is in an SFHA and you fail to purchase coverage, the lender can force-place a policy at a significantly higher cost. This force-placed coverage protects the lender but typically provides less coverage for the homeowner.

When Insurance Is Not Required but Recommended

Properties in Zone B, Zone C, or Zone X are not required to carry flood insurance. However, FEMA data shows that properties in these zones still file a significant number of claims. Flooding can result from heavy rainfall, drainage failures, or upstream runoff regardless of your zone designation.

Preferred Risk Policies are available at lower rates for properties in moderate-to-low-risk zones, making coverage surprisingly affordable for many homeowners.

Renters and Condo Owners

Renters are never required to carry flood insurance, but their personal belongings are not covered by a landlord's policy. Condo owners should check whether their association's master policy includes flood coverage for the building structure and common areas.

Check Your Property

Enter your ZIP code to see the flood zone designation for your area and understand your insurance obligations. Even if insurance is not required, knowing your risk level helps you make an informed decision about whether to purchase a policy.