In order to make this more nationwide in usage and to make it easier to determine the flood rates shown, we have revised this section to make it easier to find examples of current flood rates.

By following these instructions the user will have the necessary information to accurately rate a particular location. The easiest way is to write down the pertinent information that you must have. We will provide you with the link where this information can be found.

You will need the Flood Zone, Community name, the FIRM date & CRS percentage.

Flood Zone (FEMA MAP STORE) 
Type in the address of the dwelling to find the COMMUNITY NAME then click on green button to go to that map. The darker areas are A and V zones, the lighter areas are B, C, X & A99 zones. (If unsure of the zone, then a flood determination would be required from either an insurance agents or the lender)

FIRM date (Initial FIRM Identified).     For those in Louisiana         For all states including Louisiana

CRS discounts. (Community Rating System). When Communities do things to improve and reduce their chances of flooding, FEMA gives them credits off of their flood premiums. The discount can be as high as 45%!
        For Louisiana         For all other states

Once you know the above info, you are ready. The examples provided are for 5-1-2007 effective dates and include contents coverage of 40% of the dwelling values. Other combinations of flood insurance premiums are available. The example rate page shown allows for no CRS discounts.

We have one important rule that we all use, countrywide and that is the Pre-Firm-Post-Firm rule. It is easy to understand once you know the FIRM date. Regardless of the location of the dwelling, it will be either Pre or Post-Firm. Your local permit office is the best source for proving date of construction.

PRE-FIRM is where the date of construction is before 12/31/1974 or the FIRM date if that date is after this date. Example: the community entered the flood program in 1970 therefore we would consider this Pre-Firm but if the community FIRM date is 1983 then anything prior to 1983 would be considered Pre-Firm. POST-FIRM is where the construction date is after 12-31-1974 or the FIRM date, whichever is later. Post-Firm always requires Flood Elevation Certificates if the zone is A or V zones.

Subtract the $30 Federal Fee and subtract any CRS percentage discount then add fee back on.  Use the SFHA column percentage, if applicable.

Subtract the $30 Federal Fee and subtract and CRS percentage discount then add fee back on.  Use the SFHA column percentage, if applicable.