How Much Is Flood Insurance in Connecticut? Average Flood Insurance Cost and Coverage


Flooding can occur in Connecticut throughout the year but is most common during the summer and winter. Several rivers run through Connecticut. Consequently, it is advisable for residents living in moderate-risk or high-risk flood zones to buy flood insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that an inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage. FEMA rates may further vary from property to property, depending on factors such as the type of house you live in and the cost to rebuild. Remember that your homeowners or renters insurance may not cover flood damage.

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Flood insurance rates in Connecticut are higher than the national average.

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Providence County has the cheapest rates in the states, while New London County has the most expensive premiums.

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Since 1996, Hartford County has had the most flooding events in the state.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Connecticut

People living in Connecticut pay an average of $1,477 a year for flood insurance, but your rates may vary based on your county. Factors such as the proximity to a flood zone and individual property risks affect premiums. For example, those in flood-prone areas tend to pay higher premiums.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Connecticut

Connecticut residents purchasing flood insurance pay an average of $710 more than the national average because there are more high-risk flood zones.

MoneyGeek's research revealed that Providence County has the cheapest flood insurance rates in Connecticut at roughly $467 per year. Meanwhile, New London County has the highest average premiums at $1,594 per year. The following table shows you the average flood insurance rates for each county in Connecticut.

Connecticut Flood Insurance Cost per County
FAIRFIELD COUNTY$1,496
HAMPDEN COUNTY$519
HARTFORD COUNTY$1,310
LITCHFIELD COUNTY$1,535
MIDDLESEX COUNTY$1,562
NEW HAVEN COUNTY$1,414
NEW LONDON COUNTY$1,594
PROVIDENCE COUNTY$467
TOLLAND COUNTY$1,333
WESTCHESTER COUNTY$556
WINDHAM COUNTY$1,477

Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Connecticut

Connecticut residents have the choice of buying flood insurance from either the NFIP or private insurance companies. The NFIP offers a base policy that covers damages caused by floods, but an excess policy with supplemental coverage from a private insurer could be a better option for those who need additional protection or those not living in an NFIP community.

Private Flood Insurance Providers in CT and Their Contant 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

MoneyGeek has compiled a list of insurance companies that are affiliated with the NFIP in Connecticut as well as their contact numbers.

NFIP-Participating Flood Insurance Providers in State and Their Contact Numbers
Company
Contact

Allstate Insurance Company

(800) 527-2634

American Commerce Ins. Co.

(800) 562-4517

American Strategic Ins. Corp.

(866) 274-8765

Assurant

(800) 423-4403

Bankers Insurance Group, DBA: First Community Insurance Company

(800) 627-0000

Farm Family Casualty

(518) 431-5000

Farmers Insurance Group

(866) 865-2965

Hartford Fire Insurance Co.

(860) 547-7440

How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements

You can purchase flood insurance in Connecticut with minimal effort. Call the NFIP Hotline at 877-336-2627 or research home insurance policies from private insurers.

The NFIP has a waiting period of 30 days before your policy goes into effect. MoneyGeek recommends buying your flood insurance policy immediately. While many private insurance companies only have about a 10-day waiting period, it is best to verify this with your agent.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Connecticut?

Flood insurance will help pay for repairs to your building and its contents. You could face up to $25,000 in damage for just one inch of water damage.

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Keep in mind that flood insurance does not cover damage caused by broken pipes or other unnatural water buildup in your home. It only covers natural flood damage.

Basic flood insurance doesn't extend coverage for vehicles, patios, decks, paperwork, basement items, swimming pools or landscaping.

Flood Insurance Building Coverage

A standard flood insurance policy includes building coverage that protects your home against physical damage, including, but not limited to:

  • Foundation walls
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
  • Built-in appliances
  • Permanent carpets
  • Built-in furniture

The NFIP offers homeowners insurance policies that provide up to $250,000 in coverage for your home.

Flood Insurance Contents Coverage

The part of a flood insurance policy that pays for the repair or replacement of your belongings is content coverage. It protects items like:

  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Electronic equipment
  • Washers and dryers
  • Artwork

NFIP policyholders can get up to $100,000 in contents coverage.

Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Connecticut

Until October 2021, insurance providers calculated the cost of flood insurance by considering only a home's general location. FEMA offers maps that allow users to view flood risk in each county.

According to FEMA, Hartford County has had 113 flooding events since 1996. Tolland County and Windham County both had 39. The average annual cost of flood insurance in these counties is $1,310, $1,333 and $1,477, respectively.

Hartford County's lower rates may be due to the size of the county. Because it's large, any one flood event is less likely to cause damage than in smaller areas.

Risk Rating 2.0

In October 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency introduced a new flood risk rating system called Risk Rating 2.0. This system considers factors such as a home's location, foundation type, structure, elevation, replacement and repair costs, proximity to bodies of water and the frequency of flooding in the area.

MoneyGeek goes into detail to explain some of the factors that can affect flood insurance costs in Connecticut.

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    Flood Risk

    Risk Rating 2.0 helps insurers calculate flood risk based on more information. This means that although you might live in a moderate or high-risk flood zone, your neighbor could have a lower risk and pay less for coverage, or vice versa.

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    Coverage Type

    Premiums can vary from state to state, county to county and even person to person. If Connecticut counties also have high average coverages, it can mean premiums in the state are expensive.

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    Deductible

    By choosing a higher deductible, you might be able to save on your monthly premium. But when it comes time to file a claim, you’re on the hook for a large deductible amount. This can be anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

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    Age of Structure

    Structural age is a factor in determining insurance rates. Homes in newer condition are less likely to be damaged by bad weather. Therefore, they pay lower premiums than homes in need of repair.

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    Structure Design

    The type of materials your home is built with and its structural design can affect how much you pay for flood insurance.

Do You Need Flood Insurance in Connecticut?

Flood insurance is a separate policy from your home's homeowners or renters insurance. Along with protecting you from the high costs of flood damage, it can give you a greater sense of security. If you have a mortgage in a high-risk flood zone, you may be required to buy flood insurance.

Flood insurance will pay claims even without a presidential disaster declaration. If your house is uninsured, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance grants or low-interest loans that range up to $5,000 per household. Flood damage, however, can cost more than that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Flood Insurance

These frequently asked questions about flood insurance in Connecticut can help you determine the best option for your needs.

What is the average cost of flood insurance in Connecticut?
Which companies offer flood insurance in Connecticut?
What kind of damage does flood insurance cover?
What affects flood insurance rates in Connecticut?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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