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Do You Need Flood Insurance? Required, Recommended, or Optional

Two facts decide whether it's required: the structure's FEMA zone and the type of mortgage. Six questions cover both, plus what to do if you think your lender's determination is wrong.

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Six questions

Whether flood insurance is required comes down to two facts: the structure's FEMA zone and the kind of mortgage on it. Whether it's a good idea is a different question. This answers both, and tells you what to do if you think the zone determination is wrong.

Not sure? Use the Flood Zone Lookup, or check the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form in your closing documents.
For example, the lot touches the floodplain but the house sits well above the creek.
Please note: results from this tool are general estimations only and should not be taken as official insurance advice or a coverage determination. Please consult directly with a licensed Terrapin agent at 240-243-0042 for a more official estimate for your situation.

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Want us to verify your determination and quote it?

Leave your details and we'll confirm the zone against FEMA, review the lender's determination, and price NFIP and private flood side by side, with Elevation Certificate or LOMA guidance if it applies. No obligation.

We’ll review your results, compare your current coverage line by line, and quote the carriers that fit. Your information goes only to Terrapin Insurance Group, a licensed Maryland, DC and Virginia agency (MD #2073028).

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Frequently asked questions

When is flood insurance required?

When the structure is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones A, AE, AO, AH, V or VE) and it secures a loan from a federally regulated lender or a federally backed loan (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA). The lender must require it for the life of the loan.

What is the minimum flood coverage a lender will accept?

The lesser of the outstanding loan balance, the building's replacement cost, or the NFIP maximum ($250,000 for a one-to-four family building). Insuring to full replacement cost is usually the better choice regardless of the minimum.

Can I get my house removed from the flood zone?

Sometimes. If the structure sits above the base flood elevation on natural ground, a surveyor's Elevation Certificate can support a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. If granted, the lender may waive the requirement, though coverage may still be wise.

What happens if I don't buy required flood insurance?

The lender force-places a policy, usually far more expensive than one you buy yourself, that protects only the lender's interest. Buying your own policy and sending the declarations page gets the force-placed coverage cancelled.

Keep going

Read the guide
Is Flood Insurance Required for Your Maryland Home? How to Verify (or Dispute) a Flood Zone Determination
The full article behind this tool, with FAQs.
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Tool results are general information from a licensed insurance agency and are not a quote, a coverage determination or legal advice. Policy wording and carrier decisions control. Terrapin Insurance Group LLC, MD License #2073028.

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