It's a good idea to have the same agent who writes your homeowners or other insurance policies also write your flood insurance policy so in the event you need to file a claim, you only have to work with one insurance agency or company.

How do I find out what areas are eligible to purchase flood insurance?

Flood Insurance is available only in participating communities. Most all communities in the US that have serious flooding potential have joined the NFIP.  Your local insurance agent or community officials can supply this information.

How do I find out if my property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?

FEMA publishes flood maps that indicate a communities' flood hazard areas and the degree of risk (Zone) in those areas. These maps are usually on file at the town hall or county building. You can call the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) toll free number 1-888-CALL FLOOD, ext. 445 to obtain further information.  Map delivery usually takes about two to four weeks and there is a charge for maps for some users.

How is flood insurance purchased?

After a community joins the NFIP, a policy may be purchased from any licensed insurance agent or through any agent representing a Write Your Own company.

The process leading to the purchase of flood insurance is:

A property owner or lender determines that a building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and that flood insurance must be purchased (as required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973).   The builder or borrower contacts an insurance agent who completes the necessary forms.

If the building is proposed, the builder or buyer must obtain an "elevation certificate" completed by a licensed engineer, architect, surveyor, or appropriate community official.

The insurance agent submits the following: [1] application, [2] necessary elevation certification, and [3] full premium to the NFIP or to a participating WYO company.

An owner may choose to purchase flood insurance through a company that writes homeowners insurance if the company is participating in the WYO program in which case the premium is submitted to the company, not the NFIP.