Flood insurance isn’t included in standard homeowners and renters insurance. You need to get a separate policy to be financially protected from flood damage. Premiums are usually determined by a mix of location and individual property risks, including your home’s structure and elevation.
Since Oregon has multiple flood-prone areas, it’s best to check a local flood map to see if your house is within one. It’s also advisable to get flood insurance for an added layer of protection. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even an inch of water can cost you up to $25,000 in flood damage.
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Insurance companies charge higher premiums to those living in high-risk flood zones in Oregon.
Private insurance companies are ideal for households outside an NFIP community and those that find NFIP coverage lacking.
Flood insurance covers the cost of damages to physical structures, such as foundation walls, electrical and plumbing systems, built-in furniture and permanent carpets.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Oregon
On average, the cost of flood insurance in Oregon is $970 per year. However, rates can vary based on flood-prone areas and individual property risks. Policyholders within moderate- or high-risk flood zones tend to have higher insurance costs.
Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Oregon
Compared to the national average for flood insurance, the average cost in Oregon is $203 more expensive. This is likely because there are more flood-prone areas in the state.
Based on MoneyGeek’s study, Deschutes County has the cheapest premiums at $645 per year, while Coos County has the most expensive at $1,829 per year. Check the table below for each Oregon county’s average flood insurance rates.
Oregon Flood Insurance Cost per County
Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Oregon
You can get flood insurance from the NFIP, but you can also purchase a policy from a private insurer. Private insurance companies have a base policy (similar to an NFIP policy) and an excess policy (supplemental coverage for a base policy). They are a good option for households outside an NFIP community or those not sufficiently covered by NFIP coverage.
Private Flood Insurance Providers in OR 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 | 41 43 285 2121 |
Berkshire Hathaway | 800-673-2465 |
Private Market Flood | 877-356-6348 |
The NFIP has partner companies in Oregon that provide coverage against flood damage. In the table below, MoneyGeek enumerates NFIP-participating insurance providers and their respective 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 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 |
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 |
Universal North America Insurance Company | (866) 458-4262 |
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
Buying flood insurance is often easy because there are no special requirements. You just need to call the NFIP hotline (877-336-2627) or your home insurance agent to get started.
It’s worth noting, however, that you’ll have to wait 30 days for an NFIP policy to take effect, so it’s best to get coverage as soon as possible. On the other hand, private insurance companies in Oregon can have a 10-day waiting period. Call your insurance agent to confirm.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Oregon?
It’s important to remember that even one inch of water in your home can cost you $25,000 in flood damage. Flood insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your building structure and personal properties.
Keep in mind that flood insurance coverage only applies to flooding caused by a natural phenomenon or weather event. Its coverage doesn’t extend to flooding created by unnatural water damage, like broken pipes or leaky appliances.
Flood insurance covers damages to personal belongings and building structures. This means swimming pools, decks, patios, landscaping, cash, paperwork and basement items are excluded. Likewise, it won’t offer coverage for vehicle flooding.
Flood Insurance Building Coverage
Standard flood insurance has building coverage, which covers the damages to your home structure, including:
- Foundation walls
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Furnaces, central heating and air conditioning
- Built-in appliances
- Permanent carpets
- Built-in furniture
Note that the building coverage limit for an NFIP policy is $250,000.
Flood Insurance Contents Coverage
Contents coverage is also included in basic flood insurance policies, protecting items such as:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Electronic equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Artwork
With a policy from the NFIP, you can purchase up to $100,000 in contents coverage.
Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Oregon
Flood insurance rates were previously determined based on your location on the flood map. FEMA’s website has a digital map you can use to check the flood risk of U.S. counties in every state.
According to FEMA’s Oregon data, Sherman County has had the fewest number of flooding events (two) since 1996. Meanwhile, Coos County has experienced the most at 54. On average, flood insurance costs $895 per year in Sherman County and $1,829 per year in Coos County.
Risk Rating 2.0
In October 2021, FEMA introduced Risk Rating 2.0. Unlike the older pricing method, this new system calculates flood insurance rates based on individual property risks, such as foundation type, dwelling structure, elevation, replacement and repair costs, flood frequency and distance to bodies of water.
Since it doesn’t solely rely on a flood map, Risk Rating 2.0 is expected to provide fairer and more accurate premiums. That said, your location still plays a significant role in your flood insurance costs. Learn more about the flood insurance factors in the list below.
Flood Risk
Those within moderate- or high-risk flood zones may pay more expensive premiums. That said, you and your neighbor may have different rates because Risk Rating 2.0 considers individual property risks, as well.
Coverage Type
The amount of coverage you get can influence your insurance costs. Opting for more comprehensive coverage usually increases your premiums. The coverage you get will also vary depending on your Oregon county.
Deductible
Deductibles typically range from $1,000 to $10,000. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but you’ll be responsible for paying this amount when making a claim.
Age of Structure
Insurance companies consider the age of your home when calculating rates. You may get a more expensive premium if you live in an older structure.
Structure Design
Aside from age, your home’s building materials and structural design factor into your flood insurance rate.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Oregon?
Every property can be vulnerable to flooding. Thus, it’s wise to purchase flood insurance, even if you live in a low-risk flood zone. Meanwhile, those with mortgages in high-risk or moderate-risk flood zones are required to purchase a policy.
Flood insurance isn’t included in homeowners or renters insurance. You can get coverage from the NFIP or a private company. Flood insurance providers will pay claims even without a presidential disaster declaration. They also offer more compensation than federal assistance. By contrast, federal disaster grants are limited to $5,000 per household.
Ultimately, flood insurance can assure you that your most important investment is financially protected against flood damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Flood Insurance
Below, MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions to help you get flood insurance in Oregon.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- FEMA. "Flood Insurance." Accessed August 24, 2022.
- FEMA. "Historical Flood Risk and Costs." Accessed August 24, 2022.