INSURANCE CARRIER
NFIP Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program administered by FEMA that provides flood insurance for homes and businesses in participating communities across the United States.
Flood (Personal and Commercial)
- File a claim 877-348-0552 · 24/7 phone and online
- After hoursNFIP flood claims are filed through the Write-Your-Own carrier; when placed through Selective, use Selective's flood claims line.
A note on availability: We are not currently placing new business with this carrier in Alabama. A free coverage review can confirm which carriers we can place coverage with for your situation.
Coverage Focus
What this carrier writes
Overview
About This Carrier
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program administered by FEMA that provides flood insurance for homes and businesses in participating communities across the United States. Standard homeowners and commercial property policies exclude flood damage, making NFIP the primary source of flood coverage for most property owners, particularly in designated high-risk and moderate-risk flood zones where private flood options are limited or unavailable. Because NFIP policies are backed by the federal government, coverage remains stable regardless of the financial position of any individual insurer participating in the program. NFIP offers separate building and contents coverage for both residential and commercial properties.
Strengths
What This Carrier Does Well
Widely available federal coverage for homes and businesses in participating communities, including high-risk and moderate-risk flood zones.
Backed by the federal government, so coverage stays dependable regardless of any single insurer's finances.
Often available for properties that the private flood market will not write.
Limitations to Know
Where They Fall Short
Limits are capped at $250,000 building and $100,000 contents for a home, and $500,000 each for commercial property; higher values need private excess flood layered on top.
A new policy usually takes about 30 days to take effect, so it cannot be added once a storm is already in the forecast.
Does not pay for loss of use, has only limited basement coverage, and excludes property outside the building such as decks, landscaping, and pools.
Right Fit
Who They Are Best For
Best Fit For
Homeowners and businesses in FEMA high-risk flood zones, and anyone who wants dependable flood coverage where private flood is limited or unavailable.
Not a Good Fit For
High-value properties that need limits above the NFIP caps without layering private excess flood, or owners who want coverage for loss of use and outside structures.
Appetite & Coverage
What They Write
- Line of Business
- Flood (Personal and Commercial)
- Coverage Types
- Residential flood, commercial flood (building and contents)
- Carrier's Licensed States
- All 50 states (federal program)
- Personal Lines States
- All 50 states
- Commercial Lines States
- All 50 states
- Max Business Revenue
- NFIP commercial limits up to $500,000 building and $500,000 contents per location; private flood writes higher limits.
Pricing & Claims
What to Expect
Best Pricing For
Properties in FEMA high-risk flood zones, where the NFIP is often the most accessible flood market. Private flood can price better for some moderate- and low-risk properties.
Pricing Context
NFIP rates are set federally and are uniform across carriers under Risk Rating 2.0, which prices each property by its specific flood risk rather than just its zone. Private flood can undercut the NFIP for lower-risk properties.
Claims Experience
NFIP flood claims follow FEMA's standardized claims process. Admitted Status: Federal program administered by FEMA. Coverage is backed by the US Treasury. Olive Cover, the brand of Olive Insurance Services, LLC, is your independent insurance agent. We help you file your claim and advocate on your behalf. Coverage decisions on any claim are made by your insurance carrier under the terms of your policy.
Admitted Status: Federal program administered by FEMA. Coverage is backed by the US Treasury.
Olive Cover, the brand of Olive Insurance Services, LLC, is your independent insurance agent. We help you file your claim and advocate on your behalf. Coverage decisions on any claim are made by your insurance carrier under the terms of your policy.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the NFIP coverage limits and what is excluded?
Building and contents against flood: up to $250,000 building / $100,000 contents for homes. Basements, outdoor property, loss of use, and vehicles are excluded.
How do I file an NFIP flood claim?
Report through your Write-Your-Own carrier (Selective) using your policy contact; document with photos; Olive Cover can help you manage it.