Alabama's county-level and individual risk factors, such as the structure of your home and the frequency of floods, affect the cost of flood insurance. Usually, your homeowner or renters insurance won’t cover flood insurance.
Flooding in Alabama occurs quite frequently. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one inch of flood water may cost up to $25,000. Even if your Alabama house is in a low-risk flood zone, you should think about purchasing flood insurance to safeguard yourself from the high costs of flood-related damage.
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Through the NFIP, the average price for flood insurance in Alabama is $732. This average may differ significantly depending on where you reside.
Jefferson County has had the most flooding events in Alabama since 1996. Coosa County has had the fewest.
Perry County has the lowest premiums in Alabama, while Clay County has the most expensive policies.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Alabama
Alabama's average annual cost of flood insurance is $732 due to the state's number of flood-prone locations. However, rates may vary depending on your proximity to a flood zone and certain property risks. People who reside in flood-prone areas frequently pay higher insurance premiums.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Alabama
Alabama's average flood insurance premiums are less expensive than the national average. This could be because Alabama has fewer flood zones.
The lowest premiums, at around $319 yearly, are found in Perry County, while the highest premiums, at roughly $3,576 annually, are found in Clay County. The MoneyGeek table below displays the typical cost of flood insurance for each county in Alabama.
Alabama Flood Insurance Cost per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Alabama
Many people get their flood insurance through the NFIP, but you can also get it through a private insurance company. Similar to NFIP policies, these frequently have a base policy as well as an excess policy (supplemental coverage for a base policy).
Homeowners in Alabama should evaluate private carriers if they feel that the NFIP coverage is insufficient or that they are not a part of an NFIP community.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in AL and Their Contact Numbers
Company | Contact |
---|---|
Neptune Flood | 727-202-4815 |
Aon Private Flood | 888-281-0684 |
Hiscox - FloodPlus | 866-283-7545 |
FloodSimple Insurance Services | 844-803-8788 |
Chubb | 866-324-8222 |
Zurich Insurance Group | 800-382-2150 |
Swiss Re | 800-241-8310 |
Berkshire Hathaway | 800-673-2465 |
Private Market Flood | 877-356-6348 |
Residents can get flood insurance from NFIP partner insurance companies with offices in Alabama. MoneyGeek compiled a list of NFIP-affiliated insurance companies and their accompanying phone numbers below.
NFIP-Participating Flood Insurance Providers in Alabama and Their Contact Numbers
Company | Contact |
---|---|
Allstate Insurance Company | (800) 527-2634 |
American Nat. Prop. & Casualty | (417) 887-4990 |
American Strategic Ins. Corp. | (866) 274-8765 |
Assurant | (800) 423-4403 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co. | Refer to the Agent locator |
Baldwin Mutual Ins. Co. Inc. | (877) 943-8526 |
Centauri Specialty Ins. Company | (866) 318-4113 |
Coastal American Insurance Company | (855) 836-4950 |
Farmers Insurance Group | (866) 865-2965 |
FedNat Insurance Company | (800) 293-2532 |
First Protective Ins. Company / Frontline | (877) 744-5224 |
Hartford Fire Insurance Co. | (860) 547-7440 |
Hartford Underwriters Ins. Co. | (800) 296-7542 |
Homesite Insurance Company | (800) 466-3748 |
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company | (800) 283-6033 |
National General Insurance Co | (800) 462-2123 |
NFIP Direct Servicing Agent | (800) 638-6620 |
NGM Insurance Company | (603) 352-4000 |
Occidental Fire & Casualty | (800) 780-8423 |
Pacific Specialty Insurance Company | (800)-303-5000 |
Philadelphia Indemnity Ins. Co | (877) 672-7945 ext. 8295 |
Privilege Underwriters | (888) 813-7873 |
QBE Insurance Corporation | (877) 372-3996 |
Selective Ins. Co. Of America | (877) 348-0552 |
United Property & Cas. Ins. Co | (727) 895-7737 |
USAA General Indemnity Company | (210) 531-USAA (8722) |
Westfield Insurance Company | (800) 243-0210 |
Wright National Flood Ins. Co | (866) 373-5663 |
How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements
Purchasing flood insurance in Alabama is straightforward since there are no additional coverage requirements. Contact the NFIP Hotline at 877-336-2627 or your home insurance agent to get started.
Since the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period, purchase your flood insurance policy as early as you can. Private insurance providers in Alabama, however, may only impose a waiting period of ten days or more. Consult your insurance agent for more information.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Alabama?
A regular flood insurance policy in Alabama will cover your building and its contents. Remember that a single inch of water inside your home might cause as much as $25,000 in flood damage.
When evaluating flood insurance, the term "flood" refers to natural damage rather than flooding brought on by man-made water damage, such as a broken pipe or leaky appliances. This means that flood insurance won’t cover non-natural water damage.
The only things that flood insurance covers are structures and personal property. Your basement is not covered, nor are any pools, decks, money or landscaping. In addition, an insurance policy against floods does not cover vehicle flooding.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
Building coverage is one component of a standard flood insurance policy. This covers damage to the actual structure of your house, such as:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
With an NFIP insurance, Alabama residents can purchase up to $250,000 in building coverage.
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
Flood insurance contents coverage will pay to fix or replace your personal belongings in a covered event. The following is a list of some of the personal items that flood insurance frequently covers:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
A typical NFIP policy has a $100,000 cap on contents coverage.
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Alabama
Before October 2021, geographic factors alone were used by insurance companies to determine the price of flood insurance. FEMA's interactive maps allow users to view flood risks in counties throughout the country.
With 119 flood incidents since 1996, Jefferson County has experienced more flooding than any other county in Alabama. The lowest number of incidences, meanwhile, is seven in Coosa County. Flood insurance costs around $1,257 in Jefferson and $913 in Coosa per year.
Risk Rating 2.0
In October 2021, FEMA introduced Risk Rating 2.0. This system examines specific property concerns, such as the building's foundation, structure, elevation, replacement and repair costs as well as how frequently it floods, in addition to mapping flood zones.
However, where you live still has a significant impact on the cost of your flood insurance in Alabama. Here is a breakdown of a few of MoneyGeek's flood insurance cost-determining elements.
Flood Risk
Alabama has fewer places that are vulnerable to flooding, which lowers the cost of flood insurance. However, Risk Rating 2.0 also assesses specific risk factors. As a result, you may get a different rate from your neighbor.
Coverage Type
Your costs will also be impacted by the type of coverage you select. More extensive coverage will have a higher premium and vice versa. Alabama’s county where you reside will also have an impact on the coverage.
Deductible
If you select a higher deductible, your premiums can be less expensive. That said, you'll be responsible for paying more when you make a claim. Usually, deductibles run from $1,000 to $10,000.
Age of Structure
The age of your building is also important. Older buildings have greater insurance costs for residents.
Structure Design
The building materials and structural design of your property also have an impact on the cost of your flood insurance.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Alabama?
Flood insurance is not typically included in renters or homeowners insurance policies.
Private flood insurance comes with advantages. Providers must still pay claims if your home floods, even if a presidential disaster proclamation has not been issued. The cost of flood damage can easily exceed the $5,000 household grant level that is typically provided by the federal government for disaster relief.
Every property is vulnerable to floods, so it doesn't matter if you live in a low or moderate-risk location. Flood insurance is required for people with mortgages who live in high-risk flood zones and offers additional protection to policyholders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is a potentially complicated topic. MoneyGeek has answered some frequently asked questions to help you purchase a policy.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- Alabama Flood Insurance. "Alabama Flood Facts." Accessed August 21, 2022.
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed July 26, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed July 26, 2022.
- FEMA. "Rate Explanation Guide." Accessed August 21, 2022.