Arkansas Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates & Companies in Arkansas

From hurricanes to the flash floods of the Mississippi and Little Missouri rivers, Arkansas sees plenty of flooding disasters. Unfortunately, it's estimated that only one-third of Arkansas residents have flood insurance to help protect them against damage and destruction caused by natural flooding. Homeowners insurance in Arkansas won't cover financial losses caused by floodwaters resulting from hurricanes and other storms.

Fortunately, independent insurance agents in Arkansas can help you get set up with the right protection for your home or business. They know how much flood insurance is necessary to protect your unique property. But first, here's a behind-the-scenes look at Arkansas flood insurance, what it covers, and why it's necessary.

Best Flood Insurance Companies in Arkansas

Private flood insurance in Arkansas is available from many different carriers. However, we're hoping to start your coverage journey off on the right foot by providing a couple of our top recommendations for outstanding flood insurance carriers in Arkansas:

• USAA: This insurance company offers flood insurance, as well as a range of personal and business insurance products. USAA has outstanding financial strength, excellent official ratings, and affordable premium rates.
• Allstate: This insurance company also offers flood insurance, along with a comprehensive catalog of personal and business insurance products. Allstate has excellent financial strength, works with independent insurance agents, and offers several discounts.

An independent insurance agent in Arkansas can help you find the best flood insurance policy from these carriers or others in your area. 

How to buy flood insurance in Arkansas

In Arkansas, you can get coverage from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, NFIP coverage in Arkansas typically comes with lower limits than if you buy flood insurance from a private carrier. 

Working with a local independent insurance agent in Arkansas is the easiest way to find the right coverage fast. These agents have access to several local flood insurance companies, so they're able to help you find the cheapest flood insurance in Arkansas. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Arkansas?

Sometimes, yes, flood insurance can be required in Arkansas. Coverage requirements typically apply to individuals and business owners with properties in high-risk flood zones in Arkansas. However, you might also be required to have flood insurance by a lender if you have a government-backed mortgage.

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What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, flood insurance includes coverage for the structure of a property and its contents. The two main coverage components break down as follows:

• Buildings coverage: Covers damage to the structure of a home or business, including its foundation and equipment, such as circuit breakers, water heaters, and HVAC systems, caused by natural flooding. Homeowners can buy up to $250,000 in coverage from the NFIP, while business owners can buy up to $500,000.
• Contents coverage: Covers damage to your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and more, as well as merchandise, machinery, and business property, caused by natural flooding. Homeowners can buy up to $100,000 in coverage from the NFIP, while business owners can buy up to $500,000.

An independent insurance agent can help you get set up with an Arkansas flood insurance policy that includes as much coverage as you need.

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, flood insurance won't cover flood damage to your vehicles. Instead, you'll need comprehensive coverage in your personal car insurance policy for this protection. Additionally, Arkansas flood insurance won't cover any of the following:

• Outdoor property (e.g., septic systems, decks, patios, landscaping, wells, hot tubs, pools, and fences)
• Personal belongings stored in basements
• Business property and interruptions
• Additional living expenses
• Valuable papers (e.g., certificates and currency)
• Flooding caused by sewer backups and line breaks*

*Ask your independent insurance agent to help you add a sewer backup endorsement to your Arkansas homeowners insurance policy if you'd like this coverage. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Arkansas?

The average cost of flood insurance in Arkansas $966 per year, or approximately $80 per month. So then, how much is flood insurance in Arkansas when compared to the rest of the nation? The current national average is $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month, meaning Arkansas's flood insurance rates are slightly higher than average. 

FEMA and the NFIP determine local flood insurance costs according to the flood insurance rate map in Arkansas. Further, Arkansas flood insurance rates may also be impacted by the following factors:

• A property's flood zone designation
• The history of flooding in the area
• The location of the property
• The construction materials used in the property
• The amount of coverage chosen

A local independent insurance agent can help you compare Arkansas flood insurance quotes to find affordable coverage near you.

Arkansas Flood Zones

Arkansas flood zone maps can be found across the web. However, it might be easiest to download Arkansas flood maps, including Little Rock, Arkansas flood maps, from FEMA's official website. Here, you can find several comprehensive and user-friendly tools designed to give you an accurate flood risk assessment for Arkansas. You can access Arkansas flood zone map PDFs, Arkansas flood plain maps, and more.

Arkansas cities with the highest flood risk

Residents and business owners with property in any of these four cities are more vulnerable to flood disasters than in other areas of the state:

1. Helena - West Helena
2. Clarksville
3. Rockwell
4. North Little Rock

Flood insurance might be required for properties in these areas. A local Arkansas independent insurance agent can help you get set up with flood insurance today.

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Arkansas

Arkansas residents and business owners have a few options when applying for flood insurance coverage:

• Through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• From private flood insurance companies in Arkansas
• From a local Arkansas independent insurance agent

You can buy flood insurance in Arkansas either in person or online. But an independent insurance agent has the advantage, because they have access to multiple Arkansas flood insurance companies. This means they're free to shop and compare quotes and policy options for you to find the best coverage and price. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Arkansas

There are a couple of potential flood insurance discounts in Arkansas, depending on where you get your coverage:

• FEMA offers flood insurance discounts for some newly mapped properties and for policyholders in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts typically range from 5% to 45%, depending on the specific property's classification.
• Private flood insurance companies in Arkansas might offer several flood insurance discounts, such as for properties built on stilts or for having an affiliation with various organizations. 

An Arkansas independent insurance agent can also help you find and apply all the flood insurance discounts you qualify for to save as much as possible on your policy's premiums. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Arkansas

If you need to file a flood insurance claim in Arkansas, fortunately, the process has just a few easy steps. Follow this process to file an Arkansas flood insurance claim:

• Step one - Contact your insurance company or agent: First, be prepared with your policy number and other insurance information. You'll need to contact your flood insurance company or independent insurance agent right away to report the flood disaster. 
• Step two - Prepare for an inspection: Second, wait until your property is officially declared safe for reentry before you evaluate the damage. Your insurance company will likely request a detailed written report along with photo and video evidence of flood damage to your property. 
• Step three - Work with your claims adjuster: Third, your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster who will schedule a home inspection visit to see the property damage in person. At the end of this visit, your adjuster might be able to provide you with an estimate for how much reimbursement you're entitled to receive based on your policy's terms. 
• Step four - Receive payment: Finally, your insurance company will send you the reimbursement amount appropriate for your claim and coverage details. The timeframe for receiving a claim payout depends on the insurance company. You might receive a direct deposit or a claims check via mail. 

Your Arkansas independent insurance agent can file flood insurance claims directly through your carrier for you and update you through every step of the process.

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FAQs About Arkansas Flood Insurance