The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Flood losses are not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance. If you want flood coverage, ask your independent insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
FICOH is no longer accepting new flood policies. Existing FICOH flood policies will be transferred to Wright Flood, the nation’s largest flood insurer upon policy renewal starting with October 2026 policy effective dates. There is no action required on your part as you will automatically receive a renewal from Wright Flood and your independent agent will not change. Thank you for your understanding.
About the NFIP
Founded in 1968, the NFIP was created to be a self-supporting entity, paying claims from the premiums collected. It is now fully integrated into Risk Rating 2.0 — the new pricing methodology used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to calculate flood insurance premiums for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Fully implemented in April 2023, it replaces the previous zone-based system with an individualized, property-specific risk assessment to ensure more equitable and transparent rates.
Managing an Existing Policy
Already a FICOH flood customer? Manage your flood policy through the ManageFlood Portal. Did you know? You can still apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance even if you have flood insurance. Learn more with the FEMA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet.
Definitions and Changes
Before purchasing flood insurance, it’s important to understand some key definitions and program changes. Please see our FAQ below for more.
FAQs
How is a flood defined?
A flood is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land, or two or more properties, from an overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual surface water runoff, or mudflows. It also includes the collapse or subsidence of land along a body of water due to wave or current action.
Key components of the FEMA definition:
- Inundation: The condition must be a partial or complete covering by water.
- Scope: It must affect either two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties.
- Causes: The flooding can be caused by:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
- Mudflow; a river of liquid or flowing mud on normally dry land
- Collapse or sinking of land along a lake or similar body of water, caused by erosion or undermining from waves or currents
How is a primary residence defined?
A primary residence is now a residence that an insured will occupy more than 50 percent of the policy term.
What should I know about the policy surcharge?
To help offset flood program deficiencies, a federally mandated surcharge will apply to all new and renewed personal flood policies. The surcharge will be $25 for all Primary Residence policies (as defined above) and $250 for all other policies. Primary Residence eligibility must be validated before policy issuance to avoid the more costly $250 surcharge. The surcharge is fully earned and is not eligible for refunds due to cancellation or reduction of coverage.