Flood Risk Score: How Likely Is Your Home to Flood? (Montgomery County, MD)

Ten factors FEMA maps don't ask about

FEMA flood maps model rivers and large streams. They don't know your driveway slopes toward the garage, your sump pump has no battery, or the storm drain at the corner backs up every July. This scores the property the way a claims adjuster would look at it.

1. FEMA flood zone Don't know it? Run the Flood Zone Lookup in a new tab (it takes ten seconds).

2. Nearest creek, stream, pond or stormwater basin In Montgomery County think Rock Creek, Sligo Creek, Cabin John Creek, Watts Branch, Seneca Creek, Northwest Branch, the Potomac, plus the neighborhood retention pond.

3. Where does the house sit compared to the street?

4. Basement

5. Grading and downspouts

6. Sump pump

7. Water history at this address

8. Does the street or yard pond in heavy rain, or do storm drains back up nearby?

9. Neighborhood

10. Finished space or living area below grade?

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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Frequently asked questions

I'm not in a flood zone. Can my house still flood?

Yes. FEMA maps model rivers and large streams, not storm drain capacity, lot grading or sump pump failure. A large share of flood insurance claims are paid on properties outside mapped high-risk zones, and Montgomery County's summer thunderstorms routinely overwhelm local drainage.

What is a good flood risk score?

Low (0 to 22) means the main exposure is an unusual storm; Moderate (23 to 45) means a low-cost flood policy and water backup coverage are sensible; Elevated (46 to 68) means several factors work against the property and flood coverage belongs in the package; High (69+) means plan on water reaching the house.

Does a high score mean flood insurance will be expensive?

Not necessarily. NFIP rates each property individually, and private flood carriers price on elevation, construction and claims history. Zone X properties with several risk factors often still see modest premiums.

What's the fastest way to lower my flood risk?

Extend downspouts away from the foundation, regrade so the ground slopes away from the house, cover window wells, add a battery backup to the sump pump, and install a backflow valve on the sewer lateral. None of these replace insurance.

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.

What's Your Home's Real Flood Risk?

Ten factors FEMA maps don't ask about

Want flood options priced for this score?

Request received!

Frequently asked questions

I'm not in a flood zone. Can my house still flood?

What is a good flood risk score?

Does a high score mean flood insurance will be expensive?

What's the fastest way to lower my flood risk?

Prefer to talk it through?

Ten factors FEMA maps don't ask about

Want flood options priced for this score?

Request received!

Frequently asked questions

I'm not in a flood zone. Can my house still flood?

What is a good flood risk score?

Does a high score mean flood insurance will be expensive?

What's the fastest way to lower my flood risk?

Keep going

Prefer to talk it through?