Alabama Flood Insurance
Get a complete analysis of Alabama flood insurance costs, coverages & companies.
Find the Best Flood Insurance Rates & Companies in Alabama
The state of Alabama is no stranger to floods. In fact, even in dry years, flash floods are still likely to happen. From small river floods to damage from hurricanes, flooding can take its toll. One of the best ways to protect your home, belongings, and financial well-being in Alabama is to get the proper flood insurance.
Fortunately, an Alabama independent insurance agent can help you get set up with just the right amount of flood insurance. They'll consider your personal property and flooding risks and get you matched to the best policy. First, though, here's a deep dive into Alabama flood insurance requirements, average costs, coverage options, and more.
Best Flood Insurance Companies in Alabama
Flood insurance is available from a handful of carriers in Alabama. Here are our top recommendations for the best flood insurance companies in Alabama to get you started.
- Progressive: This carrier sells flood insurance and many other types of personal and business insurance. Progressive has an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best, offers many discounts, and provides 24/7/365 customer service.
- REInsure Pro: This carrier sells flood insurance and many other types of personal insurance. REInsure Pro works with independent insurance agents and offers fast claims responses.
An independent insurance agent in Alabama can provide you with flood insurance coverage options and quotes from each of these carriers and any others you're interested in comparing.
Is Flood Insurance Required in Alabama?
While flood insurance isn't required for everyone in Alabama, those who purchase homes through a federally regulated or insured lender in high-risk areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are usually required to get coverage.
If you live in a low or medium-risk area, you may be able to qualify for a low-cost flood insurance policy. The majority of homes along the coast and rivers in Alabama are considered high-risk, so flood insurance is likely required.
What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Alabama?
In Alabama, you can expect flood insurance to protect your personal property and the structure of your home. Flood insurance offers policyholders two major types of coverage:
- Building coverage: This can help repair or rebuild after damage to the home's structure caused by natural flooding, including items such as electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, built-in appliances, and external damage.
- Contents coverage: This can reimburse you for damage or destruction to personal belongings, such as electronics, furniture, clothing, removable appliances, and jewelry, caused by natural floodwaters.
Note that there are often restrictions on contents coverage. Flood insurance in Alabama typically doesn't cover finished basements and belongings stored in them.
What's Not Covered by Alabama Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance comes with certain exclusions that are also important to be aware of. In Alabama, don't expect flood insurance to cover any of the following:
- Additional living expenses
- Outdoor property like septic systems, decks, patios, landscaping, wells, hot tubs, pools, and fences
- Personal belongings stored in basements
- Vehicles
- Valuable papers like certificates and currency
- Business property and interruptions
Additionally, flooding caused by sewer backups and line breaks isn't covered by flood insurance. You can often add sewer backup endorsements to your Alabama homeowners insurance if you're interested in this coverage.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Alabama?
Flood insurance rates are determined by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program according to the flood insurance rate map. In Alabama, the current average cost of flood insurance is $774 annually, which is a bit cheaper than the national average of $819.
However, the price of a flood insurance policy can vary depending on the following factors:
- The location of the home
- The building materials used in the home
- The home's specific flood zone designation
- The history of flooding in the area
- The amount of coverage chosen
You might want to conduct a thorough inventory and valuation of all your personal property when determining how much flood insurance to buy.
Popular Questions about Alabama Flood Insurance
Flood insurance may be required for many homeowners in Alabama, particularly those located along the coast or near rivers. If your home is located in a high-risk area, you'll likely be required to have coverage.
The average cost of flood insurance in Alabama is $774 per year. This breaks down to about $65 per month.
We found that Progressive is the best flood insurance company in Alabama. Progressive offers competitive rates and outstanding customer service.
Alabama independent insurance agents can help you find the flood insurance you need from a top-rated local carrier. Independent insurance agents work hard to find quality coverage at the most affordable rate. They'll shop and compare flood insurance quotes from several carriers for you.
And down the road, they can help you file flood insurance claims or update your coverage as needed. Your agent can help you find flood insurance in Birmingham or wherever you reside.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/flood-insurance-cost
https://www.floodsmart.gov/whats-covered