Damages caused by natural flooding are not included in homeowners and renters insurance. For this specific coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
The cost of your flood insurance in New Hampshire is based on factors such as your home’s location, rebuilding expenses and construction materials. Insurance providers also consider your area’s flood risk.
Check a local flood map to see if your home is located in a moderate-risk or high-risk flood zone. Regardless of how flood-prone your area might be, flood insurance can protect against significant expenses caused by flood damage. Just an inch of water can cost you up to $25,000, as reported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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It’s financially sound to purchase flood insurance in New Hampshire, even if you live in a low-risk flood zone.
If NFIP coverage isn ’t enough for your household’s needs, you can opt for a policy from a private provider in New Hampshire.
The average cost of flood insurance in New Hampshire is $342 more expensive than the national rate.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, flood insurance costs approximately $1,109 per year. Individual property risks (like rebuilding cost) and the flood risk of your county influence your premiums. If you live in a moderate- or high-risk flood zone, expect your rates to increase.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in New Hampshire
Compared to the national rate, flood insurance in New Hampshire costs roughly $342 more. This average might be due to the many flood-prone areas in the state.
MoneyGeek’s research found that Middlesex County has the cheapest premiums ($631 per year), whereas Essex County has the most expensive rates ($14,785 per year), on average. However, we will note that our data for Essex County may be an extreme outlier, as it is based on a limited number of policies in the area.
You can scroll through the table below and see the average cost of flood insurance by county in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Flood Insurance Cost per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in New Hampshire
You can purchase a flood insurance policy either from the NFIP or a private insurance company. Private providers typically offer a base policy and an excess policy. The former is similar to an NFIP policy, while the latter adds extra coverage to the base policy.
A private insurance company is ideal for households that are outside an NFIP community or for those who believe that NFIP coverage isn’t adequate.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in NH 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 |
Berkshire Hathaway | 800-673-2465 |
Private Market Flood | 877-356-6348 |
In New Hampshire, the NFIP also has partner companies that offer flood insurance policies. Browse through the table below for the complete list of NFIP-participating insurance providers.
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 Nat. Prop. & Casualty | (417) 887-4990 |
American Strategic Ins. Corp. | (866) 274-8765 |
Assurant | (800) 423-4403 |
Concord Group Insurance | Refer to the Agent locator |
Farm Family Casualty | (518) 431-5000 |
Farmers Insurance Group | (866) 865-2965 |
Hartford Fire Insurance Co. | (860) 547-7440 |
Hartford Underwriters Ins. Co. | (800) 296-7542 |
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 |
Union Mutual Fire Ins. Co. | (800) 300-5261 |
United Property & Cas. Ins. Co | (727) 895-7737 |
USAA General Indemnity Company | (210) 531-USAA (8722) |
Wright National Flood Ins. Co. | (866) 373-5663 |
How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements
It’s relatively easy to purchase flood insurance because there aren’t any special requirements. You can talk to your home insurance agent or call the NFIP hotline at 877-336-2627.
We recommend that you purchase a flood insurance policy at your earliest convenience. Generally, the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period, while private providers have a 10-day waiting period. It’s best to call your insurance provider to confirm.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in New Hampshire?
Generally, flood insurance protects against expenses if your home structure or personal items are damaged. We highly suggest you consider flood insurance since an inch of water can cost up to $25,000 in damages.
Keep in mind there are different types of flooding. For flood insurance, a “flood” refers to a natural weather event. Thus, unnatural water damage from broken pipes and leaking appliances isn’t covered by flood insurance.
Flood insurance has its limitations. For example, it doesn’t include coverage for damages to swimming pools, decks, patios, landscaping, cash, cars, paperwork or basement items. If you need flood coverage for your vehicle, it’s best to get comprehensive insurance.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
NFIP policyholders can purchase building coverage, which is capped at $250,000. Building coverage pays for the structure’s replacement or repair when your home is damaged by a covered peril.
Flood insurance generally covers the following:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
With an NFIP policy, you can get contents coverage up to a limit of $100,000. Similar to building coverage, contents coverage pays for replacing or repairing your belongings.
We compiled a list of personal items that are usually included in flood insurance coverage:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in New Hampshire
Flood insurance premiums were previously determined by a home’s location on a flood zone map. Now, FEMA has an online tool that reflects a state’s flood risk and possible flood-related expenses.
Since 1996, Rockingham County has had the fewest flooding events (32), while Grafton County experienced the most flooding events (86). According to MoneyGeek’s available cost data, an average flood insurance policy costs $1,147 per year for Grafton County residents and $875 per year for those living in Rockingham County.
As you can see, the increased flood risk in Grafton County results in noticeably higher flood insurance premiums.
Risk Rating 2.0
FEMA implemented Risk Rating 2.0 in October 2021, a rating system that aims to provide accurate flood insurance rates. Instead of solely focusing on a home’s location on a flood map, Risk Rating 2.0 accounts for individual risk factors like construction type and a home’s distance to bodies of water.
Overall, your location still has a huge impact on your premiums. Scroll through the table below to understand how certain factors affect your flood insurance costs in New Hampshire.
Flood Risk
Because New Hampshire has many flood-prone areas, residents tend to pay higher rates. Since Risk Rating 2.0 assesses flood risk per individual, your neighbor may have a different flood risk than you.
Coverage Type
The type of coverage you purchase will determine your flood insurance rates. More coverage entails more expensive premiums. However, the available coverages depend on your state and county. Premiums in New Hampshire are generally pricier than in other states.
Deductible
If you opt for a higher deductible, you pay cheaper monthly premiums. You’re free to choose a deductible between $1,000 and $10,000. Take note that when you file a claim, you will pay for the out-of-pocket costs.
Age of Structure
Flood insurance carriers also incorporate how old your home is when computing premiums. If your home is older, it is typically more expensive to insure than a newer building.
Structure Design
The cost of your flood insurance is also affected by the home’s construction materials and design. For example, you may get cheaper rates if your home is made of masonry walls as opposed to a wood frame.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in New Hampshire?
Individuals with government-backed mortgages are required to purchase flood insurance if they live in a moderate- or high-risk flood zone. Even if you live in a low-risk flood zone, we encourage you to purchase flood insurance. It offers an extra layer of protection.
Even without an official disaster declaration, flood insurance providers are required to pay claims. Payments should surpass the federal assistance grant or loan (a maximum of $5,000 per household).
Again, homeowners and renters insurance does not include flood insurance. Thus, it’s important to purchase flood insurance in case your home experiences natural flooding. While it offers protection against unexpected expenses, it also gives you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Flood Insurance
Learn more about flood insurance in New Hampshire by browsing through MoneyGeek’s answers to commonly asked questions.
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sources
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed August 23, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed August 23, 2022.
- FEMA. "Rate Explanation Guide." Accessed August 23, 2022.