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


How much flood insurance costs in Pennsylvania varies by county and a home’s unique risk factors, such as its building structure, age, elevation and the cost of replacement or repairs. Be informed that homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover losses resulting from flooding caused by natural disasters.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), only one inch of water can cost up to $25,000. By examining the local flood map, you can determine if your residence is located in one of the many flood-prone areas in Pennsylvania. Even if you live in a low-risk flood zone in the state, you should consider purchasing flood insurance to avoid the high costs of flood-related damage.

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Flood insurance covers water damage resulting from natural weather events. It offers coverage for replacement and repair costs for the home’s structure and contents.

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Private insurance companies offer additional coverage in the form of excess policies if an NFIP policy provides insufficient coverage.

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Flood insurance premiums vary by county within Pennsylvania, although many other factors are also considered.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania

The average annual cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,381. However, pricing may vary based on the flood risk in your region. Insurance premiums for homes in flood-prone areas with a moderate or high risk of flooding are frequently higher.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Pennsylvania

The annual average cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania is approximately $614 higher than the national average. This may be attributed to Pennsylvania's higher percentage of flood-prone areas compared to other states.

According to MoneyGeek's research, Fulton County in Pennsylvania has the most reasonable premiums at $681 per year, while Clarion County has the most expensive at $2,765 per year. The table below illustrates how much flood insurance costs in Pennsylvania by county.

Pennsylvania Flood Insurance Cost per County
ADAMS COUNTY$1,193
ALLEGHENY COUNTY$1,860
ARMSTRONG COUNTY$1,507
BEAVER COUNTY$2,073
BEDFORD COUNTY$1,072
BERKS COUNTY$1,812
BLAIR COUNTY$1,336
BRADFORD COUNTY$1,241
BROOKE COUNTY$1,045
BUCKS COUNTY$1,365
BUTLER COUNTY$1,643
CAMBRIA COUNTY$2,002
CAMERON COUNTY$1,908
CARBON COUNTY$1,591
CENTRE COUNTY$1,218
CHESTER COUNTY$1,356
CLARION COUNTY$2,765
CLEARFIELD COUNTY$1,160
CLINTON COUNTY$1,179
COLUMBIA COUNTY$1,391
CRAWFORD COUNTY$1,198
CUMBERLAND COUNTY$1,579
DAUPHIN COUNTY$2,247
DELAWARE COUNTY$1,169
ELK COUNTY$1,524
ERIE COUNTY$1,008
FAYETTE COUNTY$1,507
FOREST COUNTY$1,225
FRANKLIN COUNTY$1,307
FULTON COUNTY$681
GREENE COUNTY$1,507
HUNTINGDON COUNTY$1,204
INDIANA COUNTY$1,589
JEFFERSON COUNTY$1,259
JUNIATA COUNTY$1,522
LACKAWANNA COUNTY$1,138
LANCASTER COUNTY$1,602
LAWRENCE COUNTY$1,793
LEBANON COUNTY$1,183
LEHIGH COUNTY$1,738
LUZERNE COUNTY$933
LYCOMING COUNTY$1,257
MCKEAN COUNTY$1,137
MERCER COUNTY$1,488
MIFFLIN COUNTY$2,134
MONROE COUNTY$1,383
MONTGOMERY COUNTY$1,335
MONTOUR COUNTY$1,200
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY$1,722
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY$1,404
PERRY COUNTY$1,282
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY$1,098
PIKE COUNTY$961
POTTER COUNTY$924
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY$1,244
SNYDER COUNTY$1,304
SOMERSET COUNTY$1,099
SULLIVAN COUNTY$946
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY$1,222
TIOGA COUNTY$1,267
UNION COUNTY$1,249
VENANGO COUNTY$1,321
WARREN COUNTY$1,043
WASHINGTON COUNTY$1,648
WAYNE COUNTY$1,267
WESTMORELAND COUNTY$1,363
WYOMING COUNTY$1,377
YORK COUNTY$1,372

Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania

Many people obtain flood insurance through the NFIP, but it is also available through private insurance providers. Typically, they offer a base policy that is similar to NFIP policies as well as an excess policy, which offers additional coverage beyond a base policy. In the end, families who believe the NFIP coverage is insufficient or who are not part of an NFIP community should seek insurance from commercial providers.

Private Flood Insurance Providers in PA 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

Additionally, the NFIP has associated insurance firms in Pennsylvania that provide flood insurance. MoneyGeek has compiled a list of NFIP-participating insurance companies and their respective 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 Commerce Ins. Co.

(800) 562-4517

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

Farm Family Casualty

(518) 431-5000

How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements

Since there are no specific requirements for purchasing flood insurance, the process is typically straightforward. You can begin by calling the NFIP hotline at 877-336-2627 or consulting with your homeowners insurance representative.

MoneyGeek suggests obtaining flood insurance without delay. The NFIP has a 30-day waiting period before its policies take effect, while the majority of private insurance firms in Pennsylvania normally have at least a 10-day waiting period. Contact your insurance provider for confirmation.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Pennsylvania?

Flood insurance can assist in covering the cost of repairing or replacing damaged structures and associated contents. Remember that even one inch of water on your property might cause $25,000 in damages.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When considering flood insurance, it is essential to have a clear understanding that the term "flood" refers to an event that is caused by natural climate incidents, as opposed to flooding that is caused by unnatural water damage, such as a burst pipe.

Basic flood insurance covers only your personal belongings and the structure of your residence. It excludes protection for landscaping, patios, documents, pools and automobile flooding. However, a comprehensive car insurance policy includes coverage for vehicle flooding.

Flood Insurance Building Coverage

Flood insurance building coverage offers financing for repairs and replacements to a home's structure. NFIP insurance typically offers up to $250,000 in building coverage.

Among the risks covered by flood insurance are 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

Flood insurance may reimburse you for the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged personal property if the loss was caused by a covered peril. Through the NFIP, contents coverage of up to $100,000 is available.

Listed below are examples of items that may be covered by the contents coverage component of flood insurance:

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

Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Pennsylvania

Until September 2021, the only variable utilized by insurance firms to determine the price of flood insurance was the location of the policyholder. Users can explore the historical flood risk of U.S. counties by state using interactive maps provided by FEMA.

According to FEMA, Cameron County has had the lowest number of documented floods (15) since 1996, whereas Philadelphia County has had the most flooding events (234). In these counties, the average cost of flood insurance is $1,908 and $1,098, respectively.

It’s extremely unusual for a county with a low incidence of flooding to have significantly higher flood insurance premiums than a county with frequent floods. Still, that’s the situation we have in Pennsylvania. This could be due to the extremely high population density of Philadelphia County, where many people live in large apartment buildings that are not in danger of flooding.

Risk Rating 2.0

In October 2021, FEMA introduced Risk Rating 2.0, a new system for assessing flood risk. This approach evaluates specific property dangers, including foundation type, structural engineering, elevation, replacement and repair costs and flood frequency, in addition to mapping flood-prone areas.

Risk Rating 2.0 provides a more specific method for calculating premiums than its predecessors. It is also important to note that where you live still has a significant influence in determining how much flood insurance costs in Pennsylvania. In the next section, MoneyGeek examines several of the factors that affect the cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania.

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    Flood Risk

    Flood insurance premiums are relatively expensive in Pennsylvania due to the high number of flood-prone areas. If you live in a moderate- or high-risk area, your insurance costs may be significantly higher.

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    Coverage Type

    The general rule is that your premium will go up as your coverage level increases. Your insurance costs may vary based on the level of coverage you select. Different coverage choices may be available in your county.

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    Deductible

    If you choose a higher deductible, your premiums may be lower, but you will be responsible for paying the deductible should you file a claim. Typically, their prices range from $1,000 to $10,000.

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    Age of Structure

    When determining rates, flood insurance providers also consider the age of your building. If your building is older, you can anticipate paying more.

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    Structure Design

    Your flood insurance premium is also impacted by the building materials and structure of your home.

Do You Need Flood Insurance in Pennsylvania?

If you live in a high-risk flood zone, mortgages backed by the government will require you to obtain flood insurance. However, flooding can be a problem for any home, which is why MoneyGeek advises homeowners in low- or moderate-risk flood-prone areas to also consider acquiring a policy for added protection.

Private flood insurance has numerous advantages. If your home floods, insurers are still required to pay claims even without a presidential disaster declaration. In addition, $5,000 is the normal household maximum for federal disaster aid grants, while flood insurance provides much greater payouts.

In general, flood insurance offers policyholders assurance and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Flood Insurance

To assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of how much flood insurance costs in Pennsylvania, MoneyGeek offers the answers to some frequently asked questions.

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

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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