Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates & Companies in Arizona
From Tucson to Flagstaff, Arizona has seen more than its fair share of flash floods. But while many residents in the state are at risk of suffering flood damage, fewer than 2% of households have the right coverage. A homeowners insurance policy won't cover damage to your home from natural floodwaters, but a flood insurance policy will.
Fortunately, local independent insurance agents in Arizona can help you get set up with all the flood insurance you need. They'll get you matched to the right policy for your unique property. But until then, here's a breakdown of Arizona flood insurance, what it covers, how much it costs, and more.
Key Takeaways - Arizona Flood Insurance
- Flood insurance in Arizona costs an average of $803 per year, or approximately $67 per month.
- Arizona flood insurance is made up of buildings coverage and contents coverage, which protect your personal property and home structure from natural flood damage.
- Arizona requires flood insurance coverage for certain individuals and professionals with properties in high-risk flood areas or who have a mortgage.
- Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can tailor a policy to your unique property and coverage needs.
Best Flood Insurance Companies in Arizona
Several private insurance companies in Arizona sell flood insurance policies. Here are a couple of our top recommendations for the best Arizona flood insurance companies:
- Progressive: This insurance company offers flood insurance, as well as a large catalog of other personal and business insurance products. Progressive has an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best, offers many discounts, and provides 24/7/365 customer service.
- REInsure Pro: This insurance company also offers flood insurance, as well as a large catalog of other personal insurance products. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.
An independent insurance agent in Arizona can help you find the ideal amount of flood insurance coverage from either of these carriers or others in your area.
How to Buy Flood Insurance in Arizona
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sells flood insurance in Arizona and nationwide. However, you can also buy flood insurance from several different private flood insurance companies in Arizona. Your best bet, though, might be working with an independent insurance agent. These agents are free to shop and compare flood insurance quotes and coverage options in Arizona for you to find the best blend of coverage and cost.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Arizona?
Sometimes, yes. Arizona flood insurance requirements apply to individuals and professionals who own property, whether residential or business, in high-risk flood areas. You might also be required to have flood insurance in Arizona if you have a government-backed mortgage on your property.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Arizona?
In Arizona, standard flood insurance policies tend to include coverage for your property's structure and the contents inside. Arizona flood insurance is comprised of two main parts:
- Buildings coverage: Covers damage to the structure of your home, including its foundation and equipment, such as circuit breakers, water heaters, and HVAC systems, caused by natural flooding.
- Contents coverage: Covers damage to your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and silverware, as well as merchandise, machinery, and business property, caused by natural flooding.
Typically, private flood insurance companies in Arizona offer higher coverage limits in each category than the NFIP. An independent insurance agent in Arizona can help you get set up with the ideal amount of flood insurance coverage in each category.
What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Arizona?
In Arizona, flood insurance won't cover natural flood damage or destruction to your vehicle. You'll need to add comprehensive coverage to your personal auto insurance policy to have this protection. Additionally, your flood insurance policy is likely to exclude coverage for any of the following:
- Mold, mildew, or moisture remediation
- Landscaping features and property kept outside your home
- Currency and important papers
- Personal property kept in a basement
- Damage caused by earth movement
- Flood damage caused by sewer backups and line breaks*
*Your independent insurance agent can help you add a sewer backup endorsement to your home insurance policy if you'd like coverage for this type of flooding.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Arizona?
Arizona flood insurance costs an average of $803 per year, or approximately $67 per month. So, how much is flood insurance in Arizona when compared to the U.S. overall? The current national average cost of flood insurance is $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month, so residents in Arizona pay a bit less for coverage.
Keep in mind that flood insurance rates can vary depending on the city you live in, as well, so you might pay more or less for the same amount of coverage in Gilbert than in Surprise. Local flood insurance costs are determined by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program according to the Arizona flood insurance rate map. Arizona flood insurance rates can be influenced by the following factors:
- The location of the home
- The building materials used in the home
- The amount of coverage chosen
- The home's specific flood zone designation
- The history of flooding in the area
Whether you live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere else in Arizona, an independent insurance agent can help you find affordable flood insurance in your town.
Arizona Flood Zones
Arizona flood zone maps can easily be found on several different websites. One of the easiest places to look up Arizona flood maps, including Phoenix, Arizona flood maps, is FEMA's official website. The organization provides many comprehensive, user-friendly tools for individuals and business owners to determine their Arizona flood risk. You can download Arizona flood zone map PDFs, Arizona flood plain maps, and more.
Arizona cities with the highest risk of flooding
If you live or own property in any of these five cities, you face a higher risk of flooding than in other areas of Arizona:
- Phoenix
- Glendale
- Scottsdale
- Peoria
- Maricopa
Work with a local Arizona independent insurance agent to help you cover your home or business with flood insurance right away if your property is located in any of these cities. Flood insurance also might be mandatory for properties in these areas.
How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Arizona
If you live in Arizona, you can apply for flood insurance through FEMA's NFIP right through the website. Otherwise, you can purchase flood insurance from private insurers in Arizona, either online or in person. A local independent insurance agent can also help you get the right flood insurance policy by shopping and comparing several different options from carriers near you.
The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Arizona
In Arizona, FEMA offers flood insurance discounts for certain newly mapped properties and for policyholders in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts usually range from 5% to 45%, depending on the specific property's classification. You can also sometimes earn other flood insurance discounts from private insurers in Arizona. A local independent insurance agent can help find and apply all the flood insurance discounts and savings you qualify for.
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Arizona
Flood insurance claims follow the same simple process in Arizona as they do across the rest of the nation. File your flood insurance claim in Arizona using our guide:
- Step one - Contact your insurance company or agent: First, call your independent insurance agent or flood insurance carrier to report the incident ASAP. If you call your agent, they can file the claim through your insurer directly for you. Have your insurance information, including your policy number, ready.
- Step two - Prepare for an inspection: Don't reenter your home until officials declare the property is safe. Then, you can evaluate the damage yourself and prepare a detailed written report and photo/video evidence for your insurance company.
- Step three - Work with your claims adjuster: Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case to visit your home, conduct an inspection, and evaluate the damage in person. You might receive an estimate for reimbursement at the end of your adjuster's visit.
- Step four - Receive payment: Your insurance company will pay you the amount owed for your claim via either direct deposit or a claims check, which may be mailed to you. The reimbursement amount will depend on the terms of your coverage and the extent of the flood damage to your property. Every insurance company has a different timeframe for issuing claim payouts.
An independent insurance agent can file your Arizona flood insurance claims, keep you updated throughout the process, and let you know when you expect your reimbursement check.
FAQs About Arizona Flood Insurance
Do you need flood insurance in Arizona?
Sometimes, yes, you can be required to have flood insurance in Arizona. If you have a government-backed mortgage or own property in a high-risk flood zone, coverage is likely to be mandatory.
What is the average cost of flood insurance in Arizona?
The average cost of flood insurance in Arizona is $803 per year. This breaks down to approximately $67 per month.
What is the best flood insurance company in Arizona?
We found that this year, Progressive is the best flood insurance company in Arizona. Progressive offers competitive rates, excellent official ratings, and outstanding customer service.
Why work with an Arizona independent insurance agent when shopping for flood insurance?
Arizona independent insurance agents can help you find the flood insurance you need from a top-rated local carrier. Independent insurance agents work hard to find quality coverage at the most affordable rate. They'll shop and compare flood insurance quotes from several carriers for you.
And down the road, they can help you file flood insurance claims or update your coverage as needed. Your agent can help you find flood insurance in Scottsdale or wherever you reside.
Sources
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/flood-insurance-cost
https://insurance.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Arizona_State_Flood_Fact_Sheet_2010_0.pdf
https://patch.com/arizona/phoenix/here-are-arizona-cities-greatest-risk-flooding