National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides affordable flood insurance to property owners and encourages communities to follow rules that reduce flood risk. Having this coverage can help you recover faster after a flood and avoid paying out of pocket for major repairs.

The NFIP is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and and policies are sold and serviced through private insurance companies participating in the NFIP.

What does NFIP cover?

The NFIP offers two types of coverage: building coverage and contents coverage. Coverage limits and premiums depend on factors like your location, flood zone, and property characteristics. In general, NFIP policies cover direct physical damage caused by flooding.

Building coverage

Building coverage helps pay for damage to the structure of your home or business. This can include:

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Electrical and plumbing systems

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Furnaces and water heaters

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Refrigerators, stoves, and built-in appliances (like dishwashers)

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Permanently installed carpeting

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Foundation walls, staircases, and anchoring systems

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Detached garages

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Fuel tanks, well water tanks, pumps, and solar equipment

Contents coverage

Contents coverage helps protect your personal belongings. This can include:

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Clothing, furniture, and electronics

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Washers and dryers

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Window or portable air conditioners

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Carpets not permanently installed (like over wood floors)

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Certain valuable items like artwork (subject to coverage limits)

Note: Building and contents coverage are usually purchased separately, and each has its own cost.

Am I eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program?

You are eligible for flood insurance through NFIP if you live, rent, or own property in a participating community. There are over 22,600 communities that take part. See if your community participates by searching your area in FEMA’s Community Status Book.

How do I get a National Flood Insurance policy?

To get started, you’ll need a quote. You can use the NFIP Quote Tool to see your coverage options.

Once you have a quote, you can:

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Share it with a local insurance agent, or

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Contact your current insurance company (the same one that handles your home or auto insurance).

If you need help finding an agent, you can use the NFIP provider search tool or call 877-336-2627 for assistance.

Note: There is usually a 30-day waiting period before your policy starts, so it’s best to plan ahead.

What if I need help?

If you have questions or need help getting coverage, you can contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) center:

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Phone: 877-336-2627

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Email: FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov

You can also send a message online to FEMA’s Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate for additional support.