Since opening our doors in 2010, our goal has been to not only provide the best flood insurance options, but also to be the industry-leading expert to you, our customer, on what flood insurance is, why it is needed, and how we can help. Here you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions – about both the requirements and flood insurance coverages that are available in North Carolina.
If you don't see the answer to your question or are looking for a free flood quote, contact us.

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1
What is the definition of a flood?
A flood is when two or more acres or two or more properties are affected by water rising from the ground up – usually due to heavy rain, river overflow, or extreme coastal conditions. Though river floodplains and coastal areas are the most vulnerable, it is possible for flooding to occur anywhere. This is why it is important to carry flood insurance even in low- to moderate-risk flood zones.
To learn more about the floods that have impacted North Carolina and the causes of these floods, vist our North Carolina Flood History page.
2
Does my homeowner insurance policy cover flooding?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies only cover damage caused by threats such as fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, and theft or vandalism. Though there are other policies that cover additional risks, floods and earthquakes are usually discounted from general homeowners' policies. Therefore, a separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damage caused by flooding.

3
If a flood affects my property, won’t disaster assistance bail me out?
The President must declare a national disaster for the government to assist – and that doesn’t always happen. Keep in mind, however, federal assistance is not insurance – it is a low-interest loan. FEMA gives a great example to better understand how this loan works: Borrow $50,000 at 4%to repair your house. Over the next 30 years, you’ll pay about $240 a month in addition to your mortgage to pay back the loan.
4
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance covers physical damage to your property and possessions (up to a certain limit depending on your policy). For more information, please click the link below for a more detailed guide of what is and is not covered to better understand your flood insurance policy. If you still have questions after reviewing the attachment, Contact Us!
The details about what flood insurance covers>>
5
Can I buy flood insurance online?
Yes and no.
You can obtain a free online quote by clicking here, but you will still need to contact your agent to bind coverage. North Carolina Flood Insurance offers a quick (less than 15 minutes) online quoting process. Our sophisticated quoting system provides your flood zone determination as well as your estimated yearly premium if you’re in flood zones B, C, or X. After you complete the process, you will need to briefly speak with one of our flood agents to bind the policy, as additional information will be required (as with any insurance provider).
Keep in mind you can only purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent; you cannot buy it directly from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Since North Carolina Flood Insurance is a general agent, we can easily process all flood insurance policies through the NFIP or through one of our many private carriers.
6
Is my property or business eligible for flood insurance?
Yes! Everyone is eligible for flood insurance. To qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage, it will depend on what zone and community you live in. If you don’t live in an area that participates with the NFIP, you could still be eligible through a private carrier, which North Carolina Flood Insurance can provide direct access to.

7
Why is my mortgage lender requiring me to buy flood insurance?
It is mandatory for homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages or loans from federally regulated lenders to have flood insurance.
While flood insurance is not federally required for properties in a
moderate- to low-risk flood area (or if you own your home outright),
your lender may still require you to have flood insurance and it is still strongly recommended due to the amount of low- to moderate-risk area claims.
8
Do I need flood insurance?
With about 20% of flood insurance claims coming from moderate- to low-risk areas, we strongly encourage you to carry flood insurance even if flood insurance is not required. Ask one of our agents if you qualify for the Preferred Risk Policy (a lower-cost flood insurance policy) that provides building plus contents coverage for less than $200 per year.
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9
Is flood insurance expensive in North Carolina?
The cost of flood insurance in North Carolina differs and depends on multiple factors including the structures position in or near the flood plain, the age and value of your home, the amount of coverage you choose, and the elevation of your home, if it is in a special flood hazard area. The average cost for $100,000 of coverage in North Carolina is $370 per year. There are 76 communities in North Carolina that qualify for discounts because they use a Community Rating System. These communities can receive 5-25% reductions in their NFIP premiums. Due to recent flood insurance reform, this amount may not reflect current flood insurance costs.
Our agents can help you find out how much your premium will be and which discounts you might qualify for.
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