Washington, D.C. Flood Insurance

Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates and Companies in Washington, D.C.

Nestled between the Potomac and Anacostia rivers on one side and the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay on the other, Washington, D.C. always has the potential for flooding. Washington’s location at the confluence of these rivers, combined with three buried waterways, broad floodplains, and relatively flat elevations, renders it highly susceptible to periodic flooding. This makes having flood insurance critical for D.C. residents and property owners, especially considering standard homeowners insurance and business insurance policies don't provide reimbursement for property damage caused by natural flooding. 

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent in Washington, D.C. can help you find the right type of flood insurance. They'll get you the coverage you need to protect your property, whether it's commercial or residential. Until then, here's a behind-the-scenes look at Washington, D.C. flood insurance coverage, requirements, costs, and more. 

Key Takeaways - Washington, D.C. Flood Insurance

• Washington, D.C. flood insurance can cover the cost of natural flood damage and destruction to personal property and a building's structure.
• Washington, D.C. has some of the cheapest flood insurance rates in the nation, with an average of just $440 per year, or approximately $37 per month.
• Washington, D.C.'s average flood insurance rates are considerably lower than the current national average of $899 per year or approximately $75 per month.
• In Washington, D.C., flood insurance is often mandatory for property owners located in a high-risk flood zone and for those with 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.

The Best Flood Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.

Flood insurance in Washington, D.C. is available from several private insurance companies. Here are our top picks for the best Washington, D.C. flood insurance companies to help you get started. 

• Progressive: This insurance company sells flood insurance, along with many additional 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 sells flood insurance, along with many other types of personal insurance products. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.

Your independent insurance agent can help you compare Washington, D.C. flood insurance quotes and coverage options from multiple carriers in your area.

How to buy flood insurance in Washington, D.C.

Flood insurance in Washington, D.C. is sold by FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurance companies. An independent insurance agent in Washington, D.C. can help compare all your options from several different flood insurance companies to find the best blend of coverage and cost. 

Is Flood Insurance Required in Washington, D.C.? 

It can be. Depending on where your property is located, flood insurance is sometimes required. For example, flood insurance is often mandatory for properties located in high-risk flood zones, such as those along rivers. Further, your lender may require flood insurance if you have a government-backed mortgage. 

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What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Washington, D.C.?

Flood insurance policies cover physical damage to your building's structure and your personal possessions. These policies are broken down into two coverage categories:

• Buildings coverage: This can pay for repairs or rebuilding to a building's structure and foundation due to natural flood damage. It also covers all of the following:
  • Electrical and plumbing systems
  • Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
  • Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances
  • Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
  • Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
  • Window blinds
  • Detached garages
  • Debris removal
• Contents coverage: This can pay for repairs or replacements to personal property and other building contents after natural flood damage. It covers all of the following:
  • Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
  • Curtains
  • Portable and window air conditioners
  • Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
  • Carpets that are not included in building coverage
  • Clothes washers and dryers
  • Freezers and the food they contain
  • Certain valuable items, such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500

Building coverage and contents coverage usually must be purchased separately and always have separate deductibles. If you do not purchase contents coverage, your flood-damaged personal property will not be covered. 

What's Not Covered by Flood Insurance in Washington, D.C.?

Certain items and types of damage are not covered by flood insurance in Washington, DC, including:

• Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner
• Currency, precious metals, and valuable papers such as stock certificates
• Property and belongings outside of an insured building, such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs, and swimming pools
• Additional living expenses, such as temporary housing
• Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of the insured property
• Property stored in basements, crawl spaces, etc.
• Flood damage caused by sewer backups and line breaks
• Cars and other vehicles, and their parts

To protect your vehicles against natural flood damage, ask your independent insurance agent about adding comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy. 

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. flood insurance costs an average of $440 per year, or approximately $37 per month. This is considerably cheaper than the current national average flood insurance cost of $899 per year, or approximately $75 per month.  

Local flood insurance rates are set by FEMA and the NFIP using the Washington, D.C. flood insurance rate map. The following factors can also impact Washington, D.C. flood insurance rates:

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

Your independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable flood insurance coverage in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Flood Zones

Washington, D.C. flood zone designations can also affect the cost of flood insurance premiums. With FEMA's official website, you can calculate an accurate Washington, D.C. flood risk assessment for your property. The following comprehensive and user-friendly documents are also available on FEMA's website:

• Washington, D.C. flood maps
• Washington, D.C. flood zone map PDFS
• Washington, D.C. flood plain maps

A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable flood insurance in Washington, D.C., no matter where you're located in the city. 

The Best Flood Insurance Discounts in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. flood insurance discounts are available from the following sources:

• Private flood insurance companies: Many private insurers in Washington, D.C., offer multiple flood insurance discounts, such as savings for properties with flood-proofing measures and those built on stilts. Savings options vary by flood insurance company. 
• FEMA and the NFIP: This organization offers flood insurance discounts for newly mapped properties and for those in communities that participate in the Community Rating System. These discounts range from 5% to 45% and are set according to a property's classification.

Your independent insurance agent can help you find all the Washington, D.C. flood insurance discounts and other savings you qualify for. 

How to Apply for Flood Insurance in Washington, D.C.

There are three ways to apply for Washington, D.C. flood insurance:

1. Though FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
2. From private flood insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
3. By working with a local independent insurance agent in Washington, D.C.

Option three can help you achieve the fastest and most personalized results, because local independent insurance agents can shop and compare coverage options from several carriers for you. They know exactly where to find the right coverage for your specific property. 

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Washington, D.C.

After a flood event damages your property, contact your independent insurance agent or flood insurance company immediately. Next, you'll need to complete the following steps:

1. Prepare evidence: Don't reenter the building until officials have inspected it and declared it's structurally safe. Then, you'll be asked to prepare a detailed written report and take photo and video evidence of the damage for your insurance company. 
2. Work with your claims adjuster: Your insurance company will schedule a visit from a claims adjuster to perform a home inspection to assess the property damage in person. This adjuster might provide you with an estimate for reimbursement at the end of their evaluation. 
3. Receive payment: Once the claim has been processed, your insurance company will send you the claim payout, either as a direct deposit or a check. The amount you receive depends on the terms of your specific coverage and the extent of the covered property damage.

Your independent insurance agent can easily file flood insurance claims in Washington, D.C. directly through your carrier for you. They can also keep you updated throughout the process and let you know when you can expect reimbursement. 

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FAQs About Washington, D.C. Flood Insurance