The average cost of flood insurance in New York is $1,304 per year when purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). [1] But your own flood insurance rates may be lower or higher than the statewide average depending on your home’s location and risk of being flooded.
While flood insurance isn’t legally required in New York, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase a policy if you live in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated high-risk flood zone. New York homeowners can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP, which is a FEMA-backed program, or through private flood insurance companies.
Regardless of which flood zone you live in, you’ll want to make sure you’re finding the best flood insurance at the most affordable rate. For the best flood insurance policy comparison, consider comparing both NFIP and private flood insurance plans with Policygenius.
Is flood insurance required in New York?
While you aren’t legally required to buy flood insurance in New York or anywhere else in the country, if your home is one of the approximately 319,596 in a FEMA high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender may require it as part of your loan agreement.
But even if your house is only in a low- to moderate-risk flood zone, homeowners should still consider purchasing flood insurance protection. While only around 4% of New York homes are located in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, or areas with a one in four chance of being flooded over the next 30 years, other flood risk projections estimate that as many as 17% of homes may be at risk. [2]
Here’s a look at the total number of housing units and the percentage of all homes in high-risk flood zones for each county in New York.
What does flood insurance cover in New York?
Flood insurance helps cover the cost of flood damage to your home and belongings. That means if your house is damaged due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, a hurricane, high coastal tides, or any other sources of natural flooding, flood insurance can pay to repair or replace your property.
A standard flood insurance policy through the NFIP comes with two main coverages that can be purchased together or individually.
Building property coverage: Pays to repair or rebuild your house or garage if they’re damaged in a flood. The maximum building property coverage limit with the NFIP is $250,000, meaning that’s the most the NFIP will reimburse you for repairs, regardless of the damage amount.
Personal property coverage: Pays to repair or replace your belongings if they’re damaged in a flood. This includes your furniture, electronics, clothes, and any other items you own. The maximum personal property coverage limit with the NFIP is $100,000.
Each coverage also comes with its own separate out-of-pocket deductible, which is the amount you’re responsible for paying on each claim. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your flood insurance premium, but it will also reduce your claim payment.
Compare NFIP & private flood insurance in New York
New York homeowners can buy flood insurance in one of two ways: through the NFIP, which is regulated and backed by the federal government and sold by insurance companies, or private flood insurance.
Private flood insurance policies typically come with higher reimbursement limits for your home and personal belongings. Additionally, they often include coverages and perks that aren’t available in the NFIP plan, including loss of use coverage to help cover the cost of lodging or restaurant meals in the event your house is badly damaged and you’re forced to evacuate; or replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings.
Here’s a look at what New York residents can expect with NFIP and private flood insurance.
NFIP flood insurance | Private flood insurance | |
Building property coverage | Max of $250,000 | Up to $15,000,000 depending on the company |
Personal property coverage | Max of $100,000 | Up to $1,000,000 depending on the company |
Additional living expenses | Not included | Often included |
Basement contents | Limited to wall fixtures, air conditioners, washer/dryers | Often covered |
Deductible | $1,000 to $10,000 | $1,000 to $50,000 |
Waiting period | 30 days | As little as 0 to 10 days |
Accepted by mortgages | Yes | Yes |
Availability | 56 states and jurisdictions | May be limited in higher-risk areas |
New York flood insurance companies
The best way to shop for flood insurance is to compare quotes from both the NFIP and private flood insurance companies. If you have homeowners insurance, then your provider may offer flood insurance via the NFIP or their own standalone flood insurance policy or coverage endorsement.
After analyzing data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, we found at least 7 companies that offer private flood insurance in New York. If you’re looking for better coverage or lower rates, consider getting quotes from one of the following companies.
Company | Average annual cost |
Assurant | $949 |
Bankers Insurance | $219 |
Chubb | $2,034 |
National General | $1,287 |
Neptune | $884 |
Trisura | $1,291 |
United Speciality Insurance | $1,144 |
Our team of licensed insurance agents at Policygenius can help you compare policies and find the best option for you.
