FEMA flood insurance (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program is the federal flood program, run by FEMA. You buy it through an agency like ours, the federal government stands behind the claim, and every mortgage lender accepts it.
Free quotes from FEMA’s NFIP and private flood carriers. Prefer to talk? Call 888-546-1099.
NFIP at a glance
- Home building coverage
- Up to $250,000
- Home contents coverage
- Up to $100,000
- Commercial building coverage
- Up to $500,000
- Commercial contents coverage
- Up to $500,000
- Waiting period
- Usually 30 days
- Living expenses while you are displaced
- Not covered
- Basements
- Limited to the structure and essential equipment such as the furnace and water heater
Limits are set by the program and are the same through every agency.
What to know before you buy
- The price is the same everywhereFEMA sets NFIP rates, so the premium for your property does not change from one agency to the next. The comparison worth making is NFIP against private flood.
- You do not have to be in a high-risk zoneAny property in a community that participates in the program can be insured, whether or not a lender requires it.
- An elevation certificate is optionalYou can buy without one. If you already have one, send it to us, because it can lower the premium.
- Building and contents are separateEach has its own limit and its own deductible. Contents are not included unless you add them.
Common questions
When does an NFIP policy start?
Usually 30 days after you buy it. One common exception: when the policy is bought in connection with a mortgage closing, coverage can start at closing.
Does NFIP pay to rebuild at today’s cost?
For a primary residence insured to at least 80% of its replacement cost, or to the program maximum, building claims are paid at replacement cost. Contents are paid at actual cash value, which takes depreciation into account.
Can I move from NFIP to a private policy later?
Yes. Many owners compare both at each renewal. Talk to us before cancelling anything so there is no gap in coverage, and so your lender gets proof of the new policy.
The other programs
Private flood insurance
Written by insurance companies instead of the federal program. Each carrier prices the property itself, so the same home can cost less than NFIP, or more.
Excess flood insurance
Pays above the limit of a primary flood policy, for buildings that would cost more to rebuild than NFIP or a private policy will pay.
Commercial flood insurance
Storefronts, offices, warehouses, mixed-use and rental buildings. NFIP stops at $500,000 on the building, so we also shop private and excess flood.
See what your address would cost
Free, online, no obligation. Prefer to talk? Call 888-546-1099 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm ET), or call or text Roxy, our AI assistant, any time at 833-366-3991.