Flood Insurance

Did you know that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage? Only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood. When just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage, flood insurance can be the difference between recovery and financial devastation. Flood insurance is not just for properties in high-risk areas near coastlines and along rivers and streams. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), from 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all flood insurance claims and required one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. The FEMA Issued Preliminary Flood Map page provided by the Department of Permitting Services is one good source for information about your flood risk. The county’s Technical Watershed Studies page has information about other flood risks.

Because Montgomery County participates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), any property in the County is eligible to get federally-backed flood insurance through the NFIP. If you are a tenant, renters flood insurance will protect your belongings in the event of a flood.

Visit FloodSmart to find out more about the NFIP, including

  • what types of flood insurance are available,
  • how to buy a flood insurance policy,
  • how to find a flood insurance provider, and
  • other important information,

As well as guidance from the Maryland Insurance Administration.

room with damaged and moldy walls after a flood