How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in California?
The average cost of an NFIP policy in California is $1,188.40, but rates can vary substantially depending on where you live. If you're interested in a quote for a private flood insurance policy to compare costs to the NFIP, we offer both! Quote online to compare costs and coverages side-by-side with our quick online quote tool.
Average Costs through the NFIP
City | Average Cost per Policy |
|---|---|
Los Angeles | $1,276.62 |
San Diego | $1,271.18 |
San Jose | $1,311.01 |
San Francisco | $1,411.62 |
Fresno | $1,049.86 |
Sacramento | $784.78 |
Long Beach | $1,653.44 |
Oakland | $834.41 |
Bakersfield | $950.70 |
Anaheim | $900.98 |
*NFIP Average Prices as of April 30th, 2025.
Our Private Flood Insurance Prices Are Often Lower!
Our private flood insurance averages are often much lower than those shown above! Get a quote online and find out how much we can save you.
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Easily compare top-rated private flood insurance carrier prices with an NFIP quote. We offer both! Quote online to compare prices and save money on flood insurance.
Not Sure Whether to Choose an NFIP Policy or Private Flood Insurance?
FloodPrice offers both! Quote online to compare your prices and coverage options. Still have questions? Call one of our Flood Experts.
How do I Save Money on Flood Insurance in California?
To find cheap flood insurance that fits your needs, we suggest you compare both NFIP and top-rated private flood insurance options. We offer both! Use our online quote tool to quickly compare.
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The cost of a flood claim can be high, and most people without coverage are financially devastated after a flood. Avoid this exorbitant expenditure by staying ahead of the game and obtaining flood coverage for your most valuable asset, your home.
Do I Need Flood Insurance in California?
Absolutely! 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve some type of flooding. California has many high-risk flood zones, and even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, you’re still at risk. Use our FEMA Flood Zone Lookup tool to see if you’re in a flood zone.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding?
Homeowners insurance generally does not include flood coverage It’s up to homeowners to obtain a separate flood insurance policy. You can get started with our easy online quote tool.
When Should I Buy Flood Insurance?
Consider purchasing flood insurance well before a storm is on the horizon. Most policies have a 30-day waiting period, but through FloodPrice.com, it can be as short as 10 days. Waiting periods can typically be waived if you are going through the loan process and your lender is requiring flood insurance.
Do I Need a Flood Elevation Certificate?
While an elevation certificate can affect your rates by providing details on your property’s elevation, it’s not required to get insurance through FloodPrice. We compare rates from the NFIP and various private insurance offerings to seek out the best coverage for you without needing an elevation certificate. However, if you think it might help, call us, and our experts will guide you through the process.
Can I Get Coverage for My Basement?
Yes! With FloodPrice.com, you can add coverage for your basement contents. Private carriers often have the option to cover your personal items in a basement. However, NFIP policies often have limited coverage for basement contents, so contact us to ensure you have the coverage you need, especially if you have a finished basement.
Flood Insurance Pricing Changes in California
The NFIP recently adjusted its pricing system called Risk Rating 2.0. Their view of risk assessment now aligns more closely with practices that private carriers implemented years earlier.
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As a result, most policy holders in California have seen changes to their premiums. According to FEMA, approximately 66% of policyholders nationwide were projected to see price increases with the updated pricing methodology.
Why Did the NFIP Implement Risk Rating 2.0?
FEMA moved away from antiquated pricing based on flood zones and elevation certificates, and moved towards assessing each individual property. These adjustments are intended to more accurately reflect each property's unique flood risk. The following are considered by the NFIP when calculating your premium:
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Distance to water (river, coast, etc.)
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Cost to rebuild
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Flood frequency and types (coastal, riverine, heavy rain)
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Ground elevation and foundation type
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Historical claims and mitigation efforts
Compare NFIP with Private Flood Insurance Premiums Online
At FloodPrice, you can compare NFIP and Private Flood Insurance quotes side-by-side with our quick online quote tool. This makes it easier to find a policy that fits your budget and your needs. While private policies often offer more flexibility and may be less expensive for some, the NFIP still offers robust coverage, especially in high-risk or FEMA-regulated zones.
Need help from a Flood Expert? Call us at 866-503-5663 for personalized assistance.
