Missouri Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Missouri

The average flood can last anywhere from hours to days. But on Missouri’s rivers, flooding can last for months and cause widespread harm to structures and property. Without Missouri flood insurance, it can be difficult to raise the necessary funds to repair or rebuild. Homeowners insurance doesn't cover the damage caused by natural flooding, nor do renters insurance or business insurance policies. 

Fortunately, you can get affordable quotes for a flood policy to protect your home or business through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from a private insurer with the help of a Missouri independent insurance agent. These agents know exactly where to find the right coverage for your unique property. First, though, here's a closer look at Missouri flood requirements, costs, and more.

The Best Flood Insurance Companies in Missouri

Missouri residents can get a flood insurance policy in one of two ways: through the NFIP, which is regulated and backed by the federal government but sells its coverage through traditional insurance companies, or through a private flood insurance company. The NFIP is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

The NFIP's coverage limits for individuals are $250,000 for buildings coverage and $100,000 for personal property coverage, while business owners can purchase up to $500,000 in either category. However, private flood insurance offers much higher limits for both of these types of coverage, along with certain coverages not offered by the NFIP, including loss of use coverage or replacement cost coverage. 

Here are some of the best flood insurance companies in Missouri:

• Allstate
• American Family
• Assurant
• Auto-Owners Insurance Company
• Liberty Mutual
• National General Insurance Company
• USAA
• Westfield Insurance Company

A Missouri independent insurance agent can help you find the flood insurance you need through one of these top-rated local carriers.

Is Flood Insurance Required in Missouri?

If you live in a special flood hazard area (SFHA), you're required to purchase Missouri flood insurance coverage. Any structure in an SFHA zone is at high risk of flood damage. Even if you live in a medium- or low-risk flood area, coverage is still highly recommended. Your home or business is at a much higher risk of flooding than of fire, tornadoes, or other disasters in these areas. It takes only one inch of water to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. 

You might also be required to purchase flood insurance if you have a mortgage on your property. A local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the required Missouri flood insurance.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Missouri?

Missouri flood insurance covers a building's structure, foundation, and contents against natural flood damage. Renters, homeowners, and business owners can all get coverage through the NFIP or private insurers. A Missouri flood insurance policy covers damage from mudflows, river or creek overflows, excess rain, and snowmelt. The coverage can pay to repair or replace the following, up to a specified limit:

• Structures on your property, such as your house, garage, shed, or place of business
• Flooring
• Curtains and wall treatments
• Fixtures
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Tools and equipment
• Merchandise

A Missouri independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the flood insurance coverage you need to protect all of your property. 

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What Does Flood Insurance Not Cover in Missouri?

A Missouri flood policy does not cover certain items, like gold, cash, valuable papers, precious metals, or stock certificates. It also will not cover your vehicles. However, if you have comprehensive insurance on your car or truck, your auto insurance policy may provide compensation for flood damage.

Early cleanup after a flood disaster is critical because your flood insurance policy also won't cover items damaged due to preventable mold or mildew. Debris removal is included in your coverage, but you must be sure to remove any wet drywall and ventilate flooded carpeting before mold has a chance to grow.

Additionally, specific valuable property, like valuable papers, precious metals, and currency, is excluded from flood insurance coverage. Furthermore, certain types of property located outside the home, such as decks or hot tubs, are also not covered by flood insurance. Landscaping, including trees and shrubs, and personal property stored in a home's basement, is also excluded by Missouri flood insurance.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Missouri?

Missouri flood insurance costs an average of $1,334 per year, or approximately $111 per month. This is considerably more expensive than the current national average flood insurance rate of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month. 

Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program using the Missouri flood insurance rate map. Additionally, Missouri flood insurance premiums can be affected by these factors:

• The type of coverage you purchased
• The location, design, building materials, and age of your home
• Whether or not your house has a basement
• The deductible and amount of coverage you need
• Your home's flood zone designation
• The value of your home’s contents 

Your local independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable flood insurance coverage in Missouri. 

Missouri Flood Zones

You can get an accurate flood risk assessment for any city or town in Missouri using FEMA's official website. Additionally, you can find all of the following comprehensive and user-friendly documents:

• Missouri flood zone maps
• Jefferson City, Missouri flood maps
• Missouri flood zone map PDFS
• Missouri flood plain maps

Knowing your Missouri flood zone designation before you start shopping for coverage can help you estimate the cost of your flood insurance premiums. 

Missouri cities with the highest flood risk

Certain areas of Missouri are more prone to flooding events than others. In the following cities, make sure you're prepared with flood insurance:

1. Kansas City
2. St. Louis
3. Springfield
4. St. Joseph
5. O'Fallon
6. Independence
7. St. Charles
8. Jefferson City
9. Columbia
10. Lee's Summit

A local Missouri independent insurance agent can help you determine if flood insurance is required in your area.

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Missouri

Missouri flood insurance discounts can be awarded by FEMA's NFIP or private carriers.

• FEMA's NFIP: This organization grants flood insurance discounts for newly mapped properties and for individuals located in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These flood insurance discounts range from 5% to 45% and are set by a property's classification.
• Private flood insurance companies: Private flood insurance companies in Missouri can offer several flood insurance discounts, such as those for properties with flood-proofing measures or for individuals affiliated with certain organizations. The available discounts vary by insurer.

Independent insurance agents know exactly where to find the best flood insurance discounts and the cheapest premium rates in Missouri.

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Missouri

You can use any of the following avenues to shop for flood insurance in Missouri:

1. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
2. Private flood insurance companies in Missouri
3. Local independent insurance agents in Missouri

A Missouri independent insurance agent can be your best bet when shopping for flood insurance coverage. They have access to multiple flood insurance companies near you, so they're free to shop and compare policies and rates to help you find the best coverage. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Missouri

Use this easy guide if you ever have to file a Missouri flood insurance claim. Fortunately, the process isn't difficult. 

1. Contact your insurance company or agent: Locate your flood insurance information, including your policy number, and call your flood insurance company or a Missouri independent insurance agent to report the incident immediately.
2. Gather evidence: After officials have determined your property is safe to reenter, assess the property damage and prepare a detailed written report for your insurance company. You'll also be asked to send photo and video evidence of the damage. 
3. Work with your claims adjuster: Your insurance company will schedule a visit from a claims adjuster to assess the property damage in person. This adjuster might provide you with a reimbursement estimate at the end of their home inspection. 
4. Get paid: Finally, you'll receive reimbursement. Your claim payout may come as a direct deposit or a check. The amount you receive depends on your coverage terms and the extent of the property damage.

Your Missouri independent insurance agent can keep you updated throughout the claims process and provide you with an ETA of when you can expect your payout. 

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FAQs About Missouri Flood Insurance