Because homeowners and renters insurance don’t provide coverage for floods, you may need to purchase flood insurance as an additional safety measure for your home. However, the cost of flood insurance can significantly vary depending on where you live and the risk level of your property. According to FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, your building occupancy, first-floor height and proximity to bodies of water are some factors to consider.
Since Ohio has a high number of high-risk flood zones, you can check your local flood map to determine the risk level of your location. Those who live in a moderate- or high-risk flood zone should strongly consider buying flood insurance for greater peace of mind during natural disasters.
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Guernsey County has the most expensive flood insurance rates in Ohio at $2,256 per year on average.
Vinton County has the cheapest average annual flood insurance rates at $614.
The average cost of flood insurance per year in Ohio is $458 higher than the national average.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Ohio
How much is flood insurance in Ohio? On average, you can expect to pay around $1,225 yearly based on the state's average costs. This figure is impacted by the number of flood-prone areas in Ohio, along with risks associated with individual properties. However, you can pay more or less than the state average, depending on your location. Most of the time, people who live in moderate- or high-risk flood zones will pay higher rates.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Ohio
The state average flood insurance cost is much higher than the national average, which can be attributed to the high number of flood-prone locations in Ohio. MoneyGeek found that Guernsey County has the highest annual rate at $2,256 on average, while Vinton County has the lowest average annual rate at $614.
The table below displays the average cost of flood insurance per year based on the county where you live.
Ohio Flood Insurance Cost per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Ohio
You can either buy your flood insurance from a private company or purchase it directly from the NFIP. If you choose to work with a private provider, they typically offer a base policy that provides basic coverage similar to what the NFIP offers. Those who need higher coverage limits may want to consider an excess policy, which provides more coverage than a base policy.
Private providers may be an ideal option for households needing more coverage than the NFIP offers or those not covered by NFIP plans.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in OH 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 |
Swiss Re | 877-356-6348 |
Private Market Flood | 41 43 285 2121 |
844-289-7968 |
If you’re looking for other options, the NFIP also works with partner companies that offer flood insurance. The table below provides the names of these companies and their contact details.
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 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 |
Bankers Insurance Group, DBA: First Community Insurance Company | (800) 627-0000 |
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 |
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
To buy flood insurance for your home, you need to get in touch with the NFIP at 877-336-2627 or call your home insurance agent. You can also contact a private flood insurance provider. There are no special requirements for applying, so it’s a relatively easy process.
However, you should aim to buy flood insurance as early as possible. This is because private insurance companies in Ohio can have a 10-day waiting period, while the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period before insurance becomes effective.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Ohio?
Flood insurance can help cover the cost of physical damage to your home's structure and its contents. Even an inch of floodwater in your home can cause up to $25,000 worth of damages.
Flood insurance only applies to natural water damage related to the weather. Your flood insurance policy does not cover leaking pipes and appliances that cause water damage.
Unfortunately, flood insurance coverage doesn’t extend to items in your basement, any vehicles you drive, your swimming pool or your patio. If you’re looking for vehicle flooding coverage, consider investing in comprehensive car insurance.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
As part of your flood insurance policy, building coverage can pay for any damage to the home’s structure. You can acquire up to $250,000 worth of building coverage from the NFIP.
Building coverage can help cover the costs of repair or replacement for:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
If your personal belongings are damaged by a flood, contents coverage can provide you with protection. You can obtain up to $100,000 worth of contents coverage from the NFIP.
Some things that contents coverage can cover include:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Ohio
Prior to October 2021, the sole factor that impacted the cost of your flood insurance policy was where you lived based on the flood zone map. If you’re interested, you can check out the historical flood risk of your state online with FEMA.
The county in Ohio with the highest historical flood risk is Hamilton County, with 140 flood events since 1996 and an average flood insurance premium of $1,888. However, Guernsey County charges the highest annual flood insurance rates at an average of $2,256. This may be because floods are more concentrated in Guernsey County.
The county with the lowest historical flood risk is Williams County, with seven flood events since 1996 and an average flood insurance rate of $897. However, Vinton County has the lowest average premiums at $614 per year.
Risk Rating 2.0
To charge more accurate premiums, FEMA introduced the Risk Rating 2.0 system in October 2021. It considers individual property risks, including your foundation type, elevation, dwelling structure, proximity to bodies of water, frequency of floods and location.
This table further elaborates on the various factors that can impact the cost of your flood insurance premium.
Flood Risk
Due to Risk Rating 2.0, your flood risk is now based on several factors and is unique to your property. Your rates could differ from your neighbor’s. However, those living in a low-risk flood zone will still pay lower premiums than those in moderate- or high-risk flood zones.
Coverage Type
Your rates can also depend on the coverage you need, such as basic or more comprehensive options. Premiums can also vary depending on your county of residence.
Deductible
Deductibles typically range between $1,000 and $10,000. Although a higher deductible corresponds to a lower premium, you must pay this chosen figure when filing a flood-related claim.
Age of Structure
If you live on an older property, you may need to pay more for flood insurance than those who live in a building that was recently built.
Structure Design
The cost of flood insurance can also depend on the materials your home is made from and its overall design and structure.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Ohio?
Flood insurance can be a good investment even if you live in a low- or moderate-risk flood zone. This is because floods can happen no matter where you live. However, those who live in a high-risk flood zone are typically required to purchase insurance for government-backed mortgages.
Flood insurance is also beneficial since you can file a claim even when a presidential disaster declaration isn’t in effect. Unlike federal disaster assistance, which is a maximum of $5,000 per household, flood insurance can provide much higher coverage and greater peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Flood Insurance
If you’re still on the fence about purchasing flood insurance in Ohio, here are the answers to some common questions that buyers tend to ask.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed September 7, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed September 7, 2022.