FEMA: Most Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Flood Damage; NFIP Limits Outlined
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said that between 2003 and 2023, 99% of U.S. counties experienced a flood event. FEMA said flood insurance can help protect a home from flood damage and speed recovery, and that even homes not near water can face flood risk from changing conditions such as construction projects, surface erosion or natural events.
According to FEMA, from 2014 to 2024 almost one-third of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims came from areas in low- to moderate-risk flood zones. Flood insurance is available to anyone in an NFIP participating community, and payment does not require a presidential disaster declaration. FEMA said federal disaster assistance does require a declaration and comes only as financial or direct assistance from FEMA and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
An NFIP policy can cover up to:
- $250,000 for a residential property;
- $100,000 for personal belongings, available to homeowners and renters;
- $500,000 for a commercial property;
- $500,000 for commercial property contents.
FEMA said questions about flood insurance and mapping can be directed to its FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange or to local floodplain administrators.
Why it matters
Homeowners and renters can see the coverage limits and learn that payouts do not depend on a disaster declaration. FEMA’s claims data indicates flood losses also occur outside high-risk zones.
Source: FEMA, October 19, 2026. Read the original release
