Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance

Unlike most standard homeowner's policies, flood insurance covers losses to your property caused by flooding. Property owners, renters and businesses can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a result of Shawnee County's participation in the program. By participating in the NFIP, communities are required to adopt sound floodplain management regulations to reduce future flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP provides federally backed flood insurance at affordable rates.

Communities that participate in the NFIP are rated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Community Rating System (CRS). FEMA encourages communities to implement floodplain management standards that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. In return, FEMA rewards communities with higher standards by offering a discount on flood insurance policies.

The current Shawnee County CRS rating is a 9. This rating gives residents of the unincorporated area a 5% discount on non-preferred risk flood insurance policies. (For more information about the rating system, please visit www.FloodSmart.gov.)

Why Purchase Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is required by law for property owners living in a high-risk area, or Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), with a federally backed mortgage. For example, if you have a FHA or VA loan, or if your mortgage company is federally insured, you must obtain flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area. Regardless of the type of mortgage, Shawnee County recommends that all residents in high-risk areas be protected. For buildings in high flood risk areas, there is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage.

Remember that everyone has some risk of flooding. Flooding events can also occur in low-to-moderate risk areas and flood insurance in these areas is also strongly recommended. Most homeowners' policies do not cover flood losses.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The average premium for a yearly flood insurance policy is approximately $500. People in low-to-moderate risk areas may be eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy with flood insurance premiums as low as $119 a year. Contact your insurance agent for more details.

How Do I Purchase Insurance?

Flood insurance is sold through private insurance companies and agents, and is available to homeowners, business owners, and renters. Contact your insurance agent to help you decide what kind of flood protection is best for you. Information on how to purchase a flood insurance policy is also available at www.FloodSmart.gov.