How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in 2026?
- FloodPrice
- May 10, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
The landscape of flood insurance is complex, with costs significantly influenced by various factors. The average annual premium for a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the U.S. varies substantially. While there's no public information on private flood insurance averages, the NFIP publishes its average policy costs monthly.
NFIP Average Policy Cost by State*
$1,130.15 | |
$582.23 | |
$1,069.89 | |
$1,308.47 | |
$1,240.27 | |
$1,191.27 | |
$1,800.34 | |
$1,048.82 | |
$1,118.72 | |
$1,085.78 | |
$965.96 | |
$1,214.04 | |
$1,267.52 | |
$1,245.72 | |
$1,615.29 | |
$1,304.63 | |
$1,727.21 | |
$1,229.15 | |
$1,704.90 | |
$638.79 | |
$1,483.81 | |
$1,051.91 | |
$1,358.75 | |
$1,429.94 | |
$1,748.96 | |
$1,168.60 | |
$1,233.22 | |
$1,121.67 | |
$1,449.30 | |
$1,347.52 | |
$1,426.70 | |
$1,460.90 | |
$1,128.25 | |
$1,061.63 | |
$1,351.94 | |
$1,324.80 | |
$1,184.46 | |
$1,805.47 | |
$1,375.75 | |
$929.68 | |
$1,459.82 | |
$1,479.08 | |
$1,170.31 | |
$868.18 | |
$2,061.81 | |
$945.34 | |
$1,253.20 | |
$2,093.31 | |
$1,192.33 | |
$1,248.69 |
*NFIP Average Prices as of April 30th, 2025.
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance
There are primarily two options when looking for a flood insurance policy; the NFIP and Private Flood Insurance carriers. Private insurance policies may offer additional coverages not available through the NFIP, such as basement contents. Also, private flood policies are often less expensive than the NFIP, and can include other coverage benefits.
Top 5 Key Factors Affecting Flood Insurance Premiums
1. Flood Zone Designation
The designation of your property within FEMA's flood zone maps is a critical factor in determining the necessity and cost of flood insurance. Properties located within high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), particularly zones A and V, are at a greater risk of flooding. This designation will typically mandate the purchase of flood insurance for properties with federally backed mortgages, underscoring the value of insurance in safeguarding your home.
2. Home Elevation
The elevation of your home's lowest floor, relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) set by FEMA, significantly impacts insurance premiums. The BFE is the elevation that water is anticipated to rise to in a flood, as determined by FEMA and your local city or county flood plain manager. Homes where the lowest floor is at an elevation that is below the BFE are typically subject to higher rates due to increased risk.
3. Property and Contents Value
The coverage amount you opt for, and the cost to rebuild your home post-flood, can impact your insurance premium. With the NFIP capping building coverage at $250,000 and private insurers stretching up to $4,000,000, there's a lot to consider. It is important to note that building coverage doesn't extend to personal items inside your home. Opting out of contents coverage might seem like a cost-saver, but it could lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses in the wake of a flood.
4. Age and Construction of Home
The construction era and materials of your home can affect your flood insurance policy cost. Older homes might be more prone to damage, necessitating costlier repairs. Additionally, insuring a secondary home often comes at a higher premium due to the increased risks associated with properties that are frequently unoccupied. Potential damage may not be detected as quickly, resulting in a higher cost to repair.
5. Number of Stories in Your Home
A home’s structure, including the number of stories, can affect flood insurance rates. Multi-story homes have less square footage at ground level and may benefit from lower premiums due to reduced risk of extensive flood damage.
Reducing Your Flood Insurance Costs
Comparing a quote through the NFIP to a Private Flood Insurance quote can often save you on your policy.
For properties previously affected by floods, consider more substantial actions like raising the level of your house, installing flood vents, or flood barriers. While these options may be expensive, they can lead to significant savings on your annual flood insurance premiums and protect your home and belongings from flood devastation. The financial impact of flooding can be far greater than many homeowners anticipate, with repair costs quickly adding up after just a few inches of water enter a home.
Let Our Flood Insurance Experts Help
At FloodPrice, we specialize in navigating the flood insurance market to exceed our client's specific needs at competitive prices. Our experts are committed to simplifying the process of selecting the right flood insurance policy.
Need flood insurance? Get your quote online in minutes. Our online quote tool shows you rates from the NFIP and trusted private insurers side by side—making it easy to find great coverage at the right price.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. We make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. All liability for any reliance on the information is expressly disclaimed.
