Get Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is a wise investment for all residents and property owners in Jefferson Parish. Geographically, our low-lying communities are at or below sea level, which increases the vulnerability of our structures to flooding from hurricanes and/or heavy rainfall events.
To protect these investments, flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, and commercial owners/renters. All policy types provide coverage for buildings and contents. Neither homeowner’s nor rental insurance covers property or content damage resulting from a flood event. The cost of flood insurance varies depending on how much insurance is purchased, what’s covered, and the property's flood risk.
Flood Insurance Requirements and Benefits
Properties in Flood Zone AE and VE (high-risk areas) are required to carry flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. For properties in Flood Zone X, (low to moderate risk areas), flood insurance is still highly recommended. Over 20 percent of all flood insurance claims filed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) come from structures located outside high-risk areas. Additionally, one-third of all federal disaster assistance for flooding has been paid to properties in low to moderate-risk areas.
The maximum coverage, though the NFIP, for residential structures is $250,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage. The maximum coverage a business can get is $500,000 in building coverage and $100,000 in contents coverage.
When Should Flood Insurance be Purchased?
You must have an active flood insurance policy at the time of the flooding event to be eligible for any disaster relief or FEMA grant programs. Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective.
Where Can I Purchase Flood Insurance?
Contact your insurance agent or visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider.
What about this Risk Rating 2.0 that’s been in the news?
Full implementation of the NFIP’s new rating methodology Risk Rating 2.0 started on April 1, 2022, representing the first major overhaul of Flood insurance rates since the National Flood Insurance Program was created more than 50 years ago. If you are interested in learning more about these rate changes, visit FEMA’s page on Risk Rating 2.0. Jefferson Parish and the Department of Floodplain & Hazard Mitigation is staying abreast of the changes and is an active member of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance. You can view the efforts of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance here.
Keep Flood Insurance Records Safe
Keep your flood policy and an itemized list of furnishings, clothing, and valuables in a safe place, such as a waterproof and fireproof safe. It is helpful to have photos and receipts of your items as well. Call your agent or broker immediately if you suffer flood damage.
Click below to watch an important message about flood insurance from Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.