What Does My Flood Zone Mean?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Learn more about Flood Zones following these tips. If you have more questions, just contact us.

No matter where you live, there is some level of flood risk. Some areas have a higher flood risk than others. A flood zone is an indication of the level of flood risk in a geographic area.

What You Should Know About Your Flood Zone

If you aren't sure which zone you are in, you can find out by checking your community's flood map. The flood map includes information on your community's zone, base flood elevation and floodplain boundaries. These maps are used to determine your flood insurance requirements and how much flood insurance costs in your area.

What Are the Different Flood Zones?

Zones B, C and X are moderate to low-risk zones. These areas do not have as much risk for flooding as high-risk zones, but there is still a risk. About a third of all federal assistance claims are for properties in these zones.

Zones A and V are high-risk zones. These are the regions that have the greatest risk of experiencing a flood because of a storm. People who live in these zones and have federally backed mortgages are required to buy flood insurance.

Do I Need Flood Insurance If I Have Homeowners Insurance?

Most homeowners' policies only cover flood damage from a sudden and accidental discharge of water, such as a broken pipe. Flood damage that happens because of storm surges, overflowing rivers and streams or flash flooding is usually not covered.

Do I Need Flood Insurance If My Community Has Never Flooded?

Flash floods can happen almost anywhere. Storm drains that are clogged with leaves, melting snow, broken water mains and construction projects can all cause a flood in areas that normally do not experience it.

Do I Need Flood Insurance If I Do Not Live in a High-Risk Zone?

Floods can happen in any flood zone. More than 40% of National Flood Insurance Program claims are for properties located outside of high-risk zones.

Will Federal Disaster Assistance Cover My Flood Damage?

Federal disaster assistance is only available after the President has made a disaster declaration. This only happens in very severe flood disasters. Most flood events do not qualify. Additionally, most assistance is loans that must be paid back.

The amount of assistance most property owners receive is intended to assist homeowners with getting back on their feet but usually does not cover the full restoration cost of a flooded home.

The proceeds from flood insurance are intended to restore your property to its preloss condition and do not have to be paid back. Without flood insurance, you may have to pay expenses, such as the cost for flood remediation services in Colorado Springs, CO, yourself.

Do I Need Flood Insurance If I Rent?

Your landlord probably has flood insurance on the building you live in, but if you want protection for your possessions, you need to purchase a contents-only flood policy.

No matter which flood zone you live in, it is a good idea to understand your flood risk. Knowing your risk helps you make appropriate decisions about insurance coverage and other risk mitigation strategies.