Because flood damage isn’t usually covered by renter's or homeowner's insurance, it’s important to purchase it if you live in a high-risk area. To determine the likelihood that your home may flood, you can review a flood map.
By purchasing insurance, you’ll avoid paying high out-of-pocket repair costs if your home floods; the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that an inch of water damage can cost up to $25,000.
The cost of flood insurance varies depending on the area's flood risk, as well as specific property risks, such as your home's elevation, physical structure and rebuilding cost.
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In Nebraska, flood insurance costs about $1,061 annually.
Risk Rating 2.0 has changed how flood insurance premiums are calculated, taking into account individual property factors, including your home’s elevation, age, layout and design.
Flood insurance is required for individuals who live in high-risk flood zones, while it is recommended for those who live in moderate-risk and low-risk flood zones.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the average cost of flood insurance is around $1,061 per year. Rates, however, might vary significantly based on a building’s proximity to a flood zone and other specific property hazards. Those who live in flood-prone areas typically have to pay higher rates.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Nebraska
The average flood insurance cost in Nebraska is around $294 more than the national average, likely because the state has a higher amount of flood-prone areas than others.
According to MoneyGeek’s data, Clay County in Nebraska has the most expensive flood insurance rates at $5,572 per year, whereas Pawnee County has the cheapest at $110 annually. The table below displays the cost of flood insurance in Nebraska by county.
Nebraska Flood Insurance Cost Per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Nebraska
Residents of Nebraska can buy flood insurance from the NFIP or a private provider. Private insurance providers offer either a basic policy that is comparable to the NFIP coverage or an excess policy that includes supplemental coverage to the base policy.
For homes not properly covered by NFIP insurance or those residing outside of an NFIP-covered area, a private provider is a good option.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in NE 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 | 816-235-3700 |
Berkshire Hathaway | 800-673-2465 |
Private Market Flood | 877-356-6348 |
Insurance companies in Nebraska that are NFIP-affiliated also offer flood insurance. MoneyGeek has compiled a list of insurance companies that are NFIP participants, along with each company's contact information, for your convenience.
NFIP-Participating Flood Insurance Providers in State and Their Contact Numbers
Company | Contact |
---|---|
Allstate Insurance Company | (800) 527-2634 |
American Family Mutual Ins. Co | (800) 692-6326 |
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 |
Everett Cash Mutual Ins. Co. | (800) 326-4968 |
Farmers Insurance Group | (866) 865-2965 |
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 |
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 is easy because there are no requirements to have a policy. Simply contact your home insurance agent or the NFIP hotline at 877-336-2627.
MoneyGeek advises buying your flood insurance coverage as soon as you can because the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period. Many private insurance companies also impose waiting periods of at least 10 days, so you should contact your agent to verify.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Nebraska?
Flood insurance typically covers a building’s structure and contents. Since a single inch of floodwater can cost up to $25,000 in damages, flood insurance may save you money.
Flood insurance only covers water damage from natural phenomena, like weather-related events or natural disasters. Flooding caused by leaking appliances, damaged pipes or other unnatural sources is not covered.
Swimming pools, patios, decks, landscaping, money, documents and basement items are not covered by flood insurance. Water damage to vehicles is also not included, but comprehensive coverage will cover this.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
When your home suffers damage from one of the insured perils, building coverage can assist in covering the cost of repairs or replacements. You can obtain insurance worth up to $250,000 through the NFIP.
Here are some of the things that flood insurance can cover:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
Contents coverage, on the other hand, is the portion of flood insurance that covers your personal belongings, including:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Nebraska
In the past, insurance companies calculated the cost of flood insurance based on location alone. The flood risk of all U.S. counties can be viewed on interactive maps provided by FEMA.
Based on data from FEMA, Otoe County has experienced the most flooding in Nebraska, with 65 incidents recorded since 1996. In comparison, Box Butte County only experienced four flooding events, during the same time period. In these counties, flood insurance has an average annual cost of $798 and $815, respectively
The cost of flood insurance is impacted by the size of the county, so a county with the highest or lowest historical record of flooding doesn’t alway have the highest or lowest insurance rates.
Risk Rating 2.0
In October 2021, FEMA unveiled Risk Rating 2.0, which takes into account building-specific factors other than location, like foundation structure, elevation, replacement and repair costs, frequency of floods and proximity to water bodies.
Thanks to this new rating system, flood insurance prices have become more fair, but your location still plays a significant role in how much your flood insurance in Nebraska is.
In the table below, MoneyGeek described a few additional pricing factors that are evaluated in the new rating system.
Flood Risk
Nebraska has numerous flood-prone areas, which can raise insurance rates. You and your neighbor’s property might be in different risk areas, so the cost of your insurance may differ.
Coverage Type
Your rate is influenced by the type of coverage you choose; more extensive coverage will result in a higher premium. Coverage will also differ in accordance with your county.
Deductible
A higher deductible may reduce the cost of your monthly premium. Typically, deductibles range from $1,000 to $10,000. If you choose a higher deductible, you will pay more out of pocket when you submit a claim.
Age of Structure
The cost of insurance is typically higher for older buildings than for newer ones. The building parts of older structures, like roofing and plumbing, are likely to be more susceptible to damage.
Structure Design
The design and building components of your home are also taken into consideration while determining rates.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Nebraska?
Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood insurance. For people living in low-risk or moderate-risk areas, buying flood insurance is a good investment since every property is susceptible to flooding. Homeowners with mortgages residing in high-risk flood zones are required to purchase flood insurance.
Separate coverage, in addition to renters or homeowners insurance, must be purchased from either the NFIP or a private insurer. Private companies will pay claims without a presidential disaster declaration and offer more compensation than federal aid. Households are only eligible for a $5,000 government disaster award, which may not be enough to cover damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Flood Insurance
To learn more about flood insurance, you can review MoneyGeek’s answers to some frequently asked questions regarding flood insurance in Nebraska.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed August 18, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed August 18, 2022.