Flood Risk in Flood Zone X
Flood zone X is considered to have a low-to-moderate flood risk, according to FEMA. However, approximately 30% of flooding occurs in flood zone X, so there can still be a significant risk of flooding.
When looking at a FEMA flood zone map, you may notice that there are two designations for Flood Zone X, shaded and unshaded. Shaded refers to areas with an estimated annual risk of flooding between 0.2% - 1% While a 1% chance of flooding may seem low, this annual risk means that there is a 26% chance of experiencing a flood at least once over the lifetime of a 30-year mortgage.
Unshaded areas have an estimated chance of flooding that is less than 0.2%. These areas are typically protected by a levee. But, as was the case in Michigan in May of 2020, a levee failure can still be devastating.
Should I still get flood insurance in Flood Zone X?
Flood insurance is not required in flood zone X, but that does not mean you are free from risk. Coverage is considerably less expensive in this zone, so getting a quote and determining your unique risk is highly recommended. Use a flood zone lookup tool and zoom out to determine how close you are to the nearest body of water, and if the area is exceptionally rainy.
How Much is Flood Insurance in Flood Zone X?
It is important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage from a natural source. This means that you need to get a flood policy from either the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or Private Flood Insurance.
The average cost of flood insurance in flood zone X through the NFIP is $768* annually. If you opt for a private flood insurance policy, the price can be much lower.
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance for Flood Zone X.
Private flood insurance is a great option for flood zone X. It offers higher limits and broader coverage options than the NFIP. However, if you don’t have a basement, or you need less than $250,000 worth of home coverage, an NFIP policy might be right for you. Give us a call at 866-503-5663. We offer both and will do the shopping for you!
*As of August 28th, 2023.
