How Much Is Flood Insurance in Rhode Island? Average Flood Insurance Cost and Coverage


Since most homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage, purchasing flood insurance is important so that you can avoid paying for costly repairs.

The cost of flood insurance might vary based on your location, building age, ground elevation and proximity to water.

Due to the significant expenses associated with flood damage, residents of moderate or high-risk flood zones should consider buying flood insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 worth of damage.

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The average cost of flood insurance in Rhode Island is higher than the national average.

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Newport County is the most expensive county in Rhode Island for flood insurance, while Providence County is the cheapest.

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Providence County has had the most flood events in Rhode Island since 1996.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance in Rhode Island

MoneyGeek's research found that the annual average cost of flood insurance in Rhode Island is $1,446. In addition to particular property risks, living in a flood-prone area will affect the price of your flood insurance. In general, locations with several moderate or high-risk flood zones incur higher premiums.

Average Cost of Flood Insurance by County in Rhode Island

Rhode Island residents pay roughly $679 more for flood insurance than the national average. This could be because Rhode Island has more flood-prone areas than other states.

According to MoneyGeek's research, Newport County has the highest average cost of flood insurance in Rhode Island, at $1,787 annually, while Providence County is the cheapest, at approximately $1,103 yearly.

The following table details flood insurance costs in different Rhode Island counties.

Rhode Island Flood Insurance Cost per County
BRISTOL COUNTY$1,332
KENT COUNTY$1,368
NEWPORT COUNTY$1,787
PROVIDENCE COUNTY$1,103
WASHINGTON COUNTY$1,529

Companies That Offer Flood Insurance in Rhode Island

Homeowners can purchase flood insurance from NFIP or explore alternatives offered by private firms. Since not all residences are part of an NFIP community or may require more coverage than what NFIP provides, private insurers fill this void.

These firms often offer a base insurance policy with coverage levels comparable to those offered by the NFIP. Some private carriers may also offer excess policies for additional insurance coverage.

Private Flood Insurance Providers in RI 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

The NFIP partners with multiple insurance companies in Rhode Island to provide residents with flood insurance. MoneyGeek has compiled a list of NFIP-participating insurance providers 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 Nat. Prop. & Casualty

(417) 887-4990

Assurant

(800) 423-4403

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

How to Purchase Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Requirements

The process of purchasing flood insurance is straightforward. There are no special application criteria. Contact the NFIP Hotline at 877-336-2627, your home insurance agent or another flood insurance company.

Due to the 30-day waiting period that is required by the NFIP, it is in your best interest to seek coverage as soon as possible. Private insurance companies may have a 10-day waiting period, but you can contact them for confirmation.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Rhode Island?

Flood insurance can help cover the expense of repairing or replacing damaged structures and their contents. Even one inch of water can result in repair costs of up to $25,000.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

The word "flood" in the context of flood insurance implies water damage brought on by a climatic or natural catastrophe. It doesn’t include damage from unnatural water events.

Generally, flood insurance does not cover damage to swimming pools, decks, patios or yards. In addition, it excludes coverage for cash, documents, basement objects and cars.

Flood Insurance Building Coverage

If your property is damaged by a covered peril, the property coverage of your flood insurance policy can pay the cost of repairs or replacement. The NFIP provides coverage of up to $250,000 in maximum value.

In the event of damage, your insurance may cover the following items:

  • 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 property is harmed by a covered risk, flood insurance might pay to restore or replace the damaged things. Through the NFIP, you can acquire up to $100,000 in coverage.

The following are examples of items that flood insurance may cover:

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

Factors That Affect Flood Insurance Costs in Rhode Island

A home's location was the primary factor that insurance companies used when determining the cost of flood insurance until October 2021. FEMA provides interactive maps that enable users to see historical flood risks of U.S. counties by state.

According to FEMA, the number of floods recorded in Kent County is the lowest (42), while Providence County had the most flood events (69). The average cost of flood insurance in these counties is $1,368 and $1,103, respectively.

While Providence County has had the most floods, its size keeps it from having the highest rates in the state.

Risk Rating 2.0

FEMA launched Risk Rating 2.0 in October 2021. It considers a variety of factors, including elevation, flood risk, proximity to water bodies and other variables.

This rating method provides supplemental data that insurance companies can use to perform more accurate calculations. However, your location still has a significant impact on the cost of your flood insurance premium in addition to the other considerations mentioned in the table below.

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    Flood Risk

    The flood risk for your household is determined on an individual basis. Those who reside in a moderate or high-risk flood-prone area might be required to pay significantly higher rates than those who reside in a low-risk flood zone.

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    Coverage Type

    Your insurance cost may vary based on the type of coverage you obtain, such as comprehensive or limited. Additionally, costs can vary by state and county.

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    Deductible

    You have the option of selecting a deductible ranging from $1,000 and $10,000. Raising your deductible can result in a reduction in the cost of your premium. However, you will be required to pay this amount when filing a claim.

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    Age of Structure

    Since they are more susceptible to flood damage, older structures can be more expensive to insure than newer buildings.

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    Structure Design

    The design and construction materials used in your property might also affect your flood insurance premiums.

Do You Need Flood Insurance in Rhode Island?

Flood insurance can be a smart purchase since floods can cause substantial damage to any property. When you apply for a mortgage or a loan backed by the government, your lender may require you to purchase flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area. FEMA recommends obtaining flood insurance for added peace of mind.

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not include coverage for flood insurance. While government disaster assistance can provide up to $5,000 per home, flood insurance can provide more assistance. Importantly, it will cover claims even in the absence of a presidential disaster declaration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Flood Insurance

Estimating the cost of flood insurance in Rhode Island can be challenging. MoneyGeek has answers to frequently asked questions in order to help with your flood insurance research.

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

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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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