Short answer?
Yep. 100%.
Even if you think your house isn’t at risk.
Here’s the deal.
Flooding in the U.S. is on the rise.
So now, more than ever, flood insurance isn't just "nice to have" — it’s a must.
Let’s break it down and clear up some big myths so you actually know what’s covered and what’s not.
🐘 Big Myth: “My Home Insurance Covers Flooding”… Nope.
This one’s a whopper.
A lot of folks think if their house floods, their regular home insurance will bail them out.
False. Wrong. Big nope.
Your home insurance might cover:
- A pipe bursting inside your house
- A washing machine going wild
- A water heater exploding
- Rain sneaking in through a broken roof during a storm
But if the water comes from outside — like rising up from the ground — forget it.
🚫 What Regular Home Insurance Does NOT Cover:
- Floodwater from storms or heavy rain
- Overflowing rivers, lakes, or oceans
- Water seeping through your basement walls
- Sewer backups caused by flooding
- Mudslides or mudflows
- Pretty much anything that starts outside and gets inside
So if water comes from the ground up
It’s a flood
And your policy says “not my problem”
🗺️ Think You’re Not in a Flood Zone? Doesn’t Matter.
Floods don’t care where you live.
They hit cities, suburbs, farms — everywhere.
And get this:
So yeah
Just because you’re not near a river or beach doesn’t mean you’re safe.
Floods happen from:
- Blocked drains
- Intense rain
- Melting snow
- Broken water mains
- Climate change doing its thing
Even FEMA’s maps change
So what’s safe today might not be next year
Check your flood risk here 👉 msc.fema.gov
🏛️ Two Main Ways to Get Flood Insurance
You’ve got options.
Let’s talk about the two main ones:
1. NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
The government version
Run by FEMA
It’s been around since the ‘60s
What you get:
- Up to $250K for the house
- Up to $100K for your stuff (sold separately, like batteries at Christmas)
- Rebuild cost for the house
- Depreciated value for your belongings (aka not what you paid for them)
They also rolled out a fancy update called Risk Rating 2.0
Now your price is based on things like:
- How close you are to water
- Your home’s height
- The cost to rebuild
- More real-life data, less guesswork
2. Private Flood Insurance
This one’s from regular insurance companies — not the government
And it’s getting popular fast
Why? Because it can offer:
- Way more coverage (think millions, not thousands)
- Better extras, like:
- Temporary housing if you can’t stay in your home
- Coverage for finished basements
- Lost rental income if you’re a landlord
- Lower deductibles and shorter waiting times
Lenders have to accept it if it meets certain federal rules — but always check
💸 So, Which One Should You Pick?
Here’s your best move:
Compare both.
Ask an agent for quotes from:
✅ NFIP
✅ Private insurers
Match up the:
- Price
- Coverage
- Waiting times
- Extras
Then pick the one that makes sense for your house and your wallet
💡 Final Word: Don’t Wait Until You’re Underwater
Floods don’t wait
And neither should you
You’re gambling
And the house usually loses
Protect your home now
Because once the water’s coming in
It’s too late to buy a policy
💸 What Affects the Price of Your Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance pricing isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.
Your rate depends on a bunch of stuff that’s unique to your house.
Let’s break it down in plain English:
1. Where You Live (and Your Flood Zone)
If your house is in a high-risk flood zone (like Zone AE), you’ll probably pay more.
It’s kind of like parking in a bad neighbourhood — you’re gonna get charged more because the risk is higher.
Average cost in high-risk zones:
👉 $800 to $3,500 per year
Check your zone here: msc.fema.gov
2. How High Your House Sits
The higher your lowest floor is above the flood line, the cheaper your premium.
💡 Pro tip: An Elevation Certificate can save you serious money if your home is built higher than FEMA thinks.
3. Your Home’s Setup (AKA The Building Stuff)
- Foundation Type: Crawlspaces and basements? More risk. Slabs? Usually cheaper.
- Year Built: Older homes (especially pre-flood-map) tend to pay more.
- Floors: More storeys = better discounts
- Rebuild Cost: Big fancy homes cost more to cover — simple as that.
4. Your Deductible
Wanna save on your yearly bill?
Bump up your deductible (that’s what you pay out of pocket when something goes wrong).
Higher deductible = lower premium
But make sure it’s an amount you can actually afford if things go sideways.
5. How Much Coverage You Want
More coverage = more cost
Simple maths
If you want to protect all your stuff and max out protection, expect a higher price.
6. What You’ve Done to Prevent Flooding
Doing stuff to protect your home = discounts
More on that below 👇
7. Your Town Might Save You Money (CRS Program)
If your town is part of FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS)
You could score 5% to 45% off just for living there.
Because they’re doing smart stuff like better drainage and zoning.
🇺🇸 US Average NFIP Flood Insurance (2025):
💰 Around $818 per year
But depending on your state, it could be:
👉 $658 in Utah
👉 $1,450 in West Virginia
So yeah, location matters.
🛠️ How to Pay Less for Flood Insurance (And Actually Protect Your Home)
Wanna save money AND avoid soggy living rooms?
Get ahead with flood mitigation.
Here’s what actually works:
✅ Raise Your Utilities
Move your washer, dryer, HVAC and electric panels above the flood line.
Less damage = lower premiums.
Simple and smart.
✅ Install Flood Vents
If you’ve got a crawlspace or garage under your home
Add flood vents.
They let water flow through — instead of building pressure and cracking your walls.
Bonus: NFIP loves these. You’ll likely get a discount.
✅ Raise Your Whole House
Okay, this one’s for serious flood zones
But yes — lifting your entire house can slash your flood risk and premiums.
FEMA might even help cover the cost (up to $30K through ICC coverage if your home’s badly damaged).
✅ Dry Floodproofing
Think waterproof coatings on walls
Good for shallow flooding or non-residential buildings
Not for everyone, but worth considering in some zones
✅ Fix Your Drainage
Your yard should slope away from your house
Gutters and downspouts should be clear
French drains? Swales? Use them
Good drainage stops floods before they start
✅ Install Backflow Valves
Nobody wants a poop fountain in their basement
✅ Use Flood-Resistant Materials
If you’re fixing up your basement or lower level
Skip the wood and carpets
Go for:
- Tile
- Concrete
- Water-resistant drywall
You’ll thank yourself later.
🌍 CRS = Big Discounts for Smart Communities
If your city is in FEMA’s CRS program
And they’re doing good flood management
You could get up to 45% off your NFIP premium
Ask your insurance agent
📋 Got Flood Damage? Here’s How to File a Claim
Flood hits. You’re soaked. What now?
Step 1: Stay Safe
Don’t go in if it’s not safe
Watch out for:
- Live wires
- Weak floors
- Nasty water
Step 2: Call Your Insurer
ASAP
The clock starts ticking fast after a flood
Step 3: Document EVERYTHING
- Take photos
- Shoot videos
- Mark water lines on walls
- Make a list of all damaged items (with ages and values)
- Save receipts
- Keep samples if you have to toss stuff (like carpet)
Step 4: Start Emergency Cleanup (Carefully)
Get the water out
Air it out
Keep all receipts
Step 5: Meet Your Adjuster
Walk them through the mess
Ask about:
- What’s covered
- Your deductible
- ICC (if your house is super damaged)
Step 6: Submit Proof of Loss
That’s the official claim
Usually needs to be in within 60 days
Your adjuster will help you out with it
Step 7: Begin Repairs
Small stuff = go for it
Big stuff = wait for the green light from your adjuster
Step 8: Get Paid
If you’ve got a mortgage
You and your bank might both be on the cheque
Keep ALL receipts
Average NFIP Payout:
👉 Around $69,000
Average FEMA Grant Without Insurance?
👉 Around $5,000 — and that’s usually a loan 😬
Moral of the story?
Get the flood insurance.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Flood Zone? Don’t Panic — Just Get Prepared
So you live in a flood zone.
That’s not ideal.
But it’s not the end of the world either.
You’ve got options.
Lots of them.
👉 You can understand how Risk Rating 2.0 works
👉 You can get quotes from both NFIP and private insurers
👉 You can flood-proof your place and snag discounts
All of that adds up to one thing:
Affordable flood insurance that actually protects your wallet when the water hits.
❓"How Much Is Flood Insurance in a Flood Zone?"
That depends.
No two homes are the same.
Your price is based on:
- Where you live
- How high your house sits
- What kind of protection you've put in place
- Whether your community is doing its part
So don't just sit there worrying.
Take action.
Compare quotes.
Ask questions.
Make some smart upgrades.
Because here’s the deal...
Flooding doesn’t care if you're ready.
But your insurance coverage should.
Protect your home now — before the next storm shows up uninvited.
It’s not just about insurance.
It’s about peace of mind.
And maybe even saving your favourite couch.