The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows homeowners, business owners, and renters, in communities that participate in the NFIP, to buy federally backed flood insurance. This insurance offers help with costs to repair flood damage to buildings and contents.

Federal flood insurance is not a disaster-assistance program. It is insurance to help property owners recover more quickly for less cost. Many forms of disaster assistance, though, require that you buy and keep flood insurance for certain lengths of time to qualify. You need to learn the specific requirements for each program.

Licensed insurance agents write flood insurance, just like other property coverage. The agent for your homeowners or property insurance should be able to help you learn what you qualify for and what your coverage options are.

Your community maintains a collection of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that can show you if your property is located in a high-risk or a moderate- to low-risk flood zone. You can also find these maps using the FEMA Map Service Center.

Flood insurance is available to property owners and renters, even if you’ve had a claim before. Your community must participate in the NFIP for you to be able to get it.

You do not have to repay flood insurance payments.

To learn more about your flood risk and flood insurance options, or to locate an agent, call or visit the website below:

• Call 1-800-427-4661, or
• Visit FloodSmart.gov.